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

Can you fathom what the world might look like toward the end of another Trump presidency? Honestly, it’s a puzzling thought. The gaming industry could dramatically change by then—there’s even a chance that we’ll be feasting on AI-generated gaming content, much like a dystopian version of Ready Player One.

Thankfully, Iceland’s CCP Games doesn’t seem destined for that artificial fate. This independent developer, still thriving after more than two decades, has quite the roadmap for 2028. Their plans, shared during my recent visit to their UK office, left a profound impression.

Alongside EVE Online, which is astounding at 21 years of continual development, CCP is channeling efforts into another ambitious project: EVE: Vanguard. This MMOFPS is set to challenge the norms of both MMOs and FPS titles with its fresh take. It is undoubtedly a bold venture, and CCP exudes a quiet confidence about it.

What stands out is Vanguard’s release schedule. According to Emily Akland, the senior brand manager for EVE Vanguard, and Scott Davis, CCP London’s lead product manager, the timeline unfolds as follows:

• 2024: Founder’s Access
• 2025: Early Access
• 2027: Global Launch
• 2028: Console Rollout

While these dates are tentative, the fact that this information was candidly disclosed during a media day indicates CCP is sticking to this plan. This game is already the product of over two years of dedicated development and feels firmly set on the studio’s agenda.

In discussing why CCP is so open at this stage, Snorri Árnason, game director for EVE Online, remarked on his involvement with every shooter CCP has attempted, spanning from Dust 514 to a series of prototypes. Many were abandoned, but Vanguard is different. The level of aspiration and graphical prowess is unmatched, and they’re eager to embrace and integrate with the broader EVE ecosystem.

CCP’s aim is to get the community engaged early and have them actively participate in shaping the game. So when it’s eventually released on whatever state-of-the-art Xbox, PlayStation, or even a potential Switch successor, it will be ready and optimized for a myriad of players.

For those keen to experience Vanguard with a console-like feel even earlier, here’s a tidbit from the media event: alpha testers have been playing the game on the Steam Deck. Despite its early development stage, Vanguard has been performing well on Valve’s handheld device—a fact that hasn’t gone unnoticed by the developers.

Presently, EVE: Vanguard is accessible to Founders, with plans for Early Access in 2025 and a full global launch on PC in 2027. A special in-game event is scheduled from November 28 to December 9. For those interested in joining and getting an access code, head over to the EVE Vanguard Discord.