This past December saw the release of the "18th free expansion" to EVE, as well as relaunching the MMO in China. In January CCP's open beta of MMO DUST 514 began.
DUST 514 shares the same real-time universe as EVE Online but allows first-person shooter fans a chance to get into the EVE universe as they join mercenary outfits.
"Ten years after release, it is incredibly inspiring that, through a lot of hard work from our EVE Online team, we are crossing the half-million subscriber mark,” said Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP.
“For me, this is a true testament that EVE can live on forever, as long as we do right by her. We have not come to this point alone; millions of players have helped push us to this milestone. I now know in my mind what I previously only believed in my heart: that EVE will outlive us all.” A special tenth anniversary celebration is planned by CCP.
Beginning this late April in Reykjavik, Iceland a year-long 'Second Decade' themed celebration will be taking place where CCP Games will help the community stage their own EVE Online events around the globe. The official tenth birthday of EVE Online is May 6th and marks the start of the 'Second Decade'.