EVE: Vanguard Aims for Console Release, But Expect a Wait Until 2028

Can you picture how the world might reshape itself by the close of another Trump presidency? Personally, it’s a tough vision to summon. The gaming landscape, too, might undergo such a drastic transformation that we end up consuming an endless buffet of AI-crafted nonsense. It sounds like a dystopian scene, more twisted than the world of Ready Player One.

Fortunately, Icelandic developer CCP Games isn’t spiraling down the path of soulless, machine-made games. For over two decades, they’ve remained an independent creative force, and recent insights from a visit to their London office hint at some ambitious plans set for 2028.

Alongside their long-standing project, EVE Online—which has been going strong for an impressive 21 years—CCP is venturing into new territory with EVE: Vanguard. This MMOFPS aims to revolutionize our expectations of both MMOs and FPS games. It’s a daring move, but walking through their strategy, it’s clear the team has confidence in their exciting new endeavor.

Speaking of confidence, CCP seems particularly assured with their strategic timeline for Vanguard. During a media briefing, Emily Akland, the senior brand manager, and Scott Davis, the lead product manager, rolled out the planned release calendar:

2024 – Founder’s access
2025 – Early access
2027 – Global launch
2028 – Console rollout

This timeline is still tentative, subject to potential adjustments. However, the fact that CCP shared these details openly with journalists suggests a solid framework for their ambitions. With over two years already invested in Vanguard, it seems evident this is the path they’re committed to.

When I inquired about CCP’s decision to disclose these plans now, Snorri Árnason, the game director of EVE Online with significant input across CCP’s portfolio, had this to say:

“I’ve been involved in every shooter we’ve attempted,” Árnason explained. That encompasses Dust 514 and several other prototypes displayed at EVE FanFest over the years. Some projects, we barely nudged off the ground, while others progressed quite far. We even had Nova, which I presented in Vegas myself.

“But none of those projects inspired the same level of confidence as Vanguard does. Previous ventures fell short in ambition and graphical prowess, and at times our team was smaller. Yet, through those experiences, we’ve learned; we’re embracing the essence of EVE with this project.”

It’s this renewed insight that drives CCP to engage the community early, inviting them to join in on shaping the game. This way, in a few years, players on any platform—from future Xbox or PlayStation consoles to, perhaps, a Nintendo switch—will dive effortlessly into EVE’s groundbreaking shared world FPS.

For those eager to explore Vanguard in a different format, here’s a tidbit from the media preview: CCP has been testing the game on the Steam Deck. Even in the early phases of testing, it has performed remarkably on Valve’s portable device—an opportunity the studio is keenly aware of.

Currently, EVE: Vanguard is open to Founders, with broader Early Access slated for 2025. A global PC launch is anticipated in 2027. There’s also a special event from November 28 to December 9; to join and get an access code, check out the EVE Vanguard Discord.