Just as they had promised in early January when outlining the 2023 roadmap, the EVE Online developers at CCP Games have finally added actual Microsoft Excel support to the game, albeit with a bit of a delay (it was originally scheduled to land in the first quarter).
On the surface, it feels a bit like giving into the memes, as EVE Online has long been jokingly referred to as ‘the game of spreadsheets’. On the other hand, CCP Games clearly believes the integration of Microsoft Excel can provide tangible benefits for its users. It will allow them to track their progress and obtain analytics on how to strategize their next steps.
Bergur Finnbogason, EVE Online’s Creative Director, said in a statement:
Collaborating with Microsoft to provide EVE players with direct access to Excel’s best-in-class spreadsheet software tools has been both a very enjoyable experience and a very natural fit, which should come as no surprise to the data enthusiasts at our two companies and within our respective communities. Our players continue to encourage us to explore more ways to make EVE approachable. Advanced EVE players are known to use spreadsheets as a data management tool, so the Excel add-in is a crucial step in achieving that goal. No matter your role, skill level, or identity in New Eden, the power of this add-in is at your fingertips.
According to CCP, here’s just a basic recap of the ways EVE Online can be empowered with Microsoft Excel:
- Manufacturers: Enhance production efficiency, identify profit margins, and uncover business opportunities.
- Miners: Make informed decisions about mining operations and optimize profits by calculating the value of mined asteroids.
- Haulers: Streamline cargo volume determination, assess cargo value, and maximize transportation profits.
- Enforcers: Keep track of bounties, mission rewards, and hourly earnings to identify the most lucrative activities.
- Explorers: Track earnings, item collection, and progression in the vast universe of New Eden.
- PvP Combatants: Monitor kills, losses, loot value, ship usage, and the outcomes of encounters.
- Corporation Leaders: Gain essential insights into member activity, roles, finances, and standings.
- All Players: Understand in-game actions and track progress over time with an aggregate overview of all character assets.
The add-in can be freely downloaded via Excel by going to the Insert tab, clicking Get Add-Ins and typing EVE Online. As a reminder, the space sandbox MMORPG is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The Viridian expansion launched earlier this month, while another expansion is set to land in Q4 2023. Moreover, fans will be able to meet up in person again at Reykjavik’s EVE Fanfest (21-23 September).
