CCP’s DUST 514, the first free-to-play game to hit consoles, is almost armed and ready to assault the PlayStation 3. Intertwining elements and the mythos with their other free-to-play title, EVE Online, CCP is looking to change the way we not only view a first-person shooter, but gaming in general. But what was the reasoning behind creating an FPS? Oh, and that’s “Five One Four,” to you.

“We wanted to provide a way to get involved in the EVE universe that broadened the accessibility and reach of the franchise as far and wide as possible,” said executive producer Brandon Laurino, “thus, an MMOFPS on console, a free to play AAA shooter on PlayStation 3.”

The PlayStation 3 provides CCP the open platform it needs to have EVE and DUST 514 constantly interacting, and they’ve worked closely with Sony throughout the game’s development to ensure this leap in console gaming will be up to snuff with the vision the developers have. DUST 514′s connection with EVE, however, will not render you lost if you happen to play the first-person shooter without any knowledge of EVE. Shooter fans will still be able to jump in a “Team Deathmatch” and blow stuff up.

“But, players looking for a deeper experience will be able to build empires, discover and explore the EVE universe, the most enthralling and sophisticated virtual world ever created,” Laurino added.

If there’s one word that can describe the EVE universe, it’s “persistence,” as every character across EVE Online and DUST 514 is logged into the same server. Social tools like mailing and chatting are connected, and items including weapons, vehicles and equipment can be traded throughout. Persistence even matters within the planets, stations, and battles that are throughout the universe.

“When you are in a battle in DUST 514, it is in that one specific spot, in that one specific area, in that one specific district, on that one specific planet. It is its own unique place – and which faction, corp, player – et cetera – owns what, will define the map of planetary conquest, bragging rights, and the benefits that come along with it. Every shot fired in DUST 514 has the potential to be felt in EVE Online.”

The EVE universe is all about power, Laurino said, and when DUST 514 mercenaries initially begin their tour of duty they will be able to fight in the factional war occurring between the large EVE empires. Later on, and working in unison with their EVE Online brethren, they will be able to fight in much more critical battles that can interrupt the universe’s sovereignty and balance control. EVE players will even be able to bombard the ground troops in DUST with missiles from space.

DUST 514 was initially going to release in a $20 “Starter Pack,” where the money paid would be used to unlock gear in-game. That has since been changed, and the game will release without a fee.

“As we watched the market evolve, gamers choices in free to play games evolve, our own tastes in free to play evolve and developing what’s needed to support it in collaboration with Sony, this just became the obvious way to go – no cover charge, completely free to play. It’s the right time.”

If you have been following DUST 514 for some time, you may have noticed the term “space opera” gets thrown around quite a bit when CCP describes the game. Well, there’s a good reason for that.

“We have invested our blood, sweat and tears into making the most grand, interactive, living space opera the world has ever known,” Laurino said.

Just a single cutscene from the game, showing the gangs, Charlie the brit, and one of the big question marks of the plot, machine’s that think they’re humans.

-Brent

Go here to join

Yes, its finally happening! As I’ve teased a few times now, we are going to be forming two guilds for everyone interested in playing Star Wars: The Old Republic with their fellow Warriors of The Axe!

To facilitate the discussion, I’ve set up some preliminary forums and kicked off the discussion. If you’re interested in joining up, head over to the SWTOR discussion thread and add your voice to the conversation as we try to gather insight from all interested parties.

As of right now, my loose plan is to try and nail things down by next week and get the Guilds set up and running immediately thereafter. Stay tuned for more info!