2026 Trends: CCP Games’ Hilmar Veigar Pétursson on fully delivering his vision for EVE Frontier

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, the time to look back and consider what we learned during 2025 and how to make the most of that knowledge in 2026. 

In this article we catch up with Hilmar Veigar Pétursson, CEO of CCP Games.

What was the most significant trend for blockchain games in 2025?

In 2025, the blockchain gaming industry came to terms with the fact that building great games is hard. While these moments aren’t pleasant, they are ultimately healthy because they clarify where the market is headed and create room for serious builders to solidify their foundations.

This sets the stage for sustainable growth and moves the industry forward. Now we can focus on making some awesome games. 

How did CCP Games adapt to these changes

It was less about changing direction as it was about executing on our long-term plan, informed by more than 20 years of making games. Our roadmap for EVE Frontier has always centered on the next generation of virtual worlds designed for real player agency. This has guided every major decision, including our move to Sui. 

As the market underwent a difficult correction, we focused on building toward long-term viability rather than reacting to short-term pressures. 

How do you think this will change in 2026?

It will remain tough to make good games. That never changes, but great games will always cut through. 

We’ll likely see more consolidation, and some titles will unfortunately fail. However, this also creates room to grow for builders, with more experimentation using new tools and technologies. 

The challenges will still be there, but opportunities will exist to deliver truly compelling games. 

What was your favourite blockchain game during 2025

EVE Frontier. I have played no other. Building and playing our own game has taken up all my attention this year, and it’s been exciting to see it develop alongside the community. 

That said, if there’s a great blockchain game out there that’s truly worth playing, I would love to experience it. I’m always interested in what others are creating and how they will push gaming forward.

What’s your New Year’s resolution and what resolution would you enforce on the industry?

For myself, it’s to put my money where my mouth is and demonstrate what’s truly possible with blockchain games. The coming months are exciting because we are on the verge of fully delivering on our vision that I have been talking about relentlessly all year. 

For the industry, I would be happy to see the same. We need more playable titles that make blockchain a benefit and not a barrier. We need to let players experience the real value of playing blockchain games.

Read all our End of Year features via the EOY 2025 tag.