EVE Online studio CCP Games has been acquired by Pearl Abyss

The EVE Online CCP Games studio was acquired by Pearl Abyss, the Korean developer of the fantastic MMO Black Desert Online. Pearl Abyss said CCP would continue to operate its existing studios in Reykjavik, London and Shanghai independently, while its "broad development and publishing skills" would be integrated into Pearl Abyss's current and future projects.

"CCP is a seasoned publisher with over 15 years of digital distribution experience and know-how, and has done an incredible job of engaging and maintaining their knowledge base – all of our games." Pearl Abyss CEO Robin Jung in a statement.

"I am confident that CCP's intellectual property and renowned expertise in global publishing will help reaffirm our company's commitment to developing and maintaining the best MMORPGs in the world."

"Pearl Abyss is a growing company that has a lot to offer in terms of technology, capability and vision," said CCP CEO Hilmar Veigar Pursursson, calling himself a "passionate gamer" of Black Desert Online. "I think our two companies have a lot to learn from each other and we are excited to partner with them and reach new heights for our businesses, our games and, most importantly, our players."

That these actors share Pursursson's optimistic outlook is an open question. EVE Online is far from the biggest MMO on the market, but its fan base is extremely loyal, thanks in large part to its unique approach to managing MMOs. This can sometimes lead to ugly places, but it can also give rise to brilliant stories that you will not get from another game. Something cool could have happened in the WoW raid last night, but this guy has spent a year planning and executing a masterful plan of revenge that has annihilated what was once the most powerful alliance of the game. It's not an experience you're going to live Elsewhere, and the possibility that Pearl Abyss can start playing with this formula will make some players a bit nervous.

There is also concern that this partnership will lead to increased monetization. EVE Online removed its mandatory subscription several years ago, but has gradually added various optional microtransactions to various degrees of hand rub – a feeling that the Western community of Black Desert Online knows too well.