The worldwide EVE Online community was shocked and amazed the announcement that CCP Games and White Wolf Publishing were to become one, but as time marches on since last November, it appears more and more to be a match made in heaven. As the staff and press in attendance assembled outside the new facility at Stone Mountain, we were able to engage in some casual conversation with some of the developers on both sides of the house. The operating philosophy of both companies - something I would sum up simply as, "Work hard, play hard!" - meshes so well that you'd think they had always been together.

Prior to the official opening festivities, we were treated to a tour of the new space from Mike Tinney, President of CCP Games North America / White Wolf. The new home of EVE Online in North America, White Wolf Publishing, and the upcoming World of Darkness MMO is well-appointed and spacious. It has to be spacious, as Mike was able to tell us that they have detailed plans to expand staff in this location (from their current roster of 55, out of CCP's worldwide total of about 260) in the following six to 12 months that will take up the excess room. Information on the World of Darkness MMOG is as hard to come by as mercy from a pirate in EVE, but we were able to see (no pictures allowed!) some early concept art that immediately evoked the whole ambience and feel for which the WoD universe is famous.

Work on the World of Darkness property is to be co-developed between this location and CCP Games' headquarters location in Reykjavik. Much of the technical basis for the new MMO is based out of Iceland, while the bulk of the content work will be coordinated from the new Atlanta office. "We're doing primarily a 'scrum'-based design methodology," said Tinney, "combined with staged delivery; everybody is grouped into teams of four, cross-disciplined between designers, artists, programmers, and quality assurance, and that group is responsible for developing a fixed aspect of the game on a two- to four-week development cycle." This approach is used to keep the teams fresh and invigorated as they move from task to task, rather than plowing ahead on the same aspect of the game for the entire development period of the game. When the teams aren't busy finishing up their latest assignment, there's always a quick game of raquetball just down the hall! Yes, the new office comes complete with its own built-in raquetball court. It's not nearly as cool as a built-in hockey rink, but I can cut them some slack - it *is* in Atlanta, after all. Knowing how athletic the typical programmer is, I hope they left room for a resident physiotherapist!

The rest of the main floor is occupied by offices and cubicles, adorned with their own brand of motivational posters - "Don't Do This: ===> FAIL! (cat with cone-collar trying to eat)" and "Be a Winner, Not a Whiner (picture of Luke Skywalker)". In another part of the building, the board of CCP North America and White Wolf Publishing have their offices, as well as space for the North American branch of CCP Games Customer Service and Support, and areas for vistors from Iceland to work is available, as well.

We then headed back outside for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, where Mike joined CCP Games' CEO Hilmar Petursson and local dignitaries of city and state commerce. The occasion was marked by a superb three-course meal, followed by music and fun in the warehouse, which was set up for the after-party. Remember, "Work Hard, Play Hard"? The play was certainly up to CCP's high standards, as the party went well into the wee hours of the night. Music, snake charmers, fire-baton-twirling... people, a poker table, foozball, and even Beer Pong! A shoutout to my colleagues from MMORPG.com, ShackNews, WarCry and Vault Network as well - truly a great crowd to be working alongside at an event! Why does it seem like we only get together when there's a CCP party on? That should tell us something...

The Beer Pong was my undoing, unfortunately... suffice it to say, these guys really know how to unwind. We chatted briefly about upcoming code releases for EVE Online, but nothing specific that you don't already know from past interviews; though I'm told that they have some exciting things planned for the EVE FanFest in November! I can't wait.


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Last Updated: Mar 29, 2016

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