Model Capsuleers,

Mixed Dimensions have released another batch of gorgeous EVE Online ship models, featuring the striking Dramiel, Cynabal, and Machariel hulls from the Angel Cartel fleet!

Although it has been some time since the last batch of ships were released due to the ongoing global restrictions and measures taken surrounding COVID-19, this new wave of models is just the start.

There will be even more ship models coming in the future, and you can check out which EVE ship models Mixed Dimensions have already released, including the Rifter, Tristan, Magnate, Talos, Tornado, Condor, Naga, and Oracle.

Get yours now!

Creative Capsuleers,

It‘s time for you to let your innovative juices flow for our latest community contest! With tensions rising between the Triglavian Collective and EDENCOM, it‘s the perfect time to see our community embrace this opportunity and create propaganda posters or videos for the two factions. The contest will run until 7 October.


To take part in the contest, you need to submit either a poster or a video to share@eveonline.com with the subject “EDENCOM vs The Triglavians contest“ or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube with the hashtag #EVEPropaganda.

Rules for the poster version

• The poster must be at least 595x842
  
• It must present either the Triglavian Collective or EDENCOM
  
• One submission per contestant
  
• Must be in line with EVE Online‘s Terms of Use

The Sizzle Reel

• Resolution must be 1080p
  
• Length should be between 30 and 120 seconds
  
• It must present either the Triglavian Collective or EDENCOM
  
• One submission per contestant
  
• Must be in line with EVE Online‘s Terms of Use

• 1st place - Bluestar Defenders SKIN Bundle, Kikimora MetaMateria Exotica SKIN 1500 PLEX, monument art
  
• 2nd place - Thunderchild Bluestar Defenders SKIN, Kikimora Metamateria Exotica SKIN, 1000 PLEX, monument art
  
• 3rd place - Kikimora Metamateria Exotica SKIN, 1000 PLEX, monument art

Greetings Capsuleers,

It’s time to level up and push your Project Discovery performance to an even higher benchmark, as the data coming in will now be more complex, resulting in even better learnings for the science community! As immortal pioneers of New Eden, you have surpassed even the highest expectations for this project already, and those were expectations earned through your stellar performances in previous incarnations of Project Discovery.

“We have been working on Project Discovery for 5 years and it is amazing to see how the EVE player community even after all this time keeps tirelessly participating in research efforts. This contribution is especially important and valuable in these pressing times. Thank you all!” - MMOS CEO and co-founder Attila Szantner.

In designing and implementing this latest version of Project Discovery, a lot has been learned about flow cytometry and cell populations to make the content engaging while also delivering accurate results to our scientists. Given that 39.6 million submissions have been amassed since the project’s launch, it’s safe to say that EVE Online’s players have answered the call to arms in the fight against COVID-19.

“The participation and quality of the data produced by the EVE community has been truly amazing and exceeded all our projections. We are thrilled to be able to mine this unique source of wisdom for the immediate benefit of biomedical research” - Jérôme Waldispühl, Associate Professor, School of Computer Science, McGill University.

With 466,000 already verified and now able to be used in scientific research, it’s also fair to say that this is a quantity and accuracy of data that would not exist without the efforts of EVE’s dedicated players around the world, but with so many samples still flooding in, it’s time to level up the accuracy.

When the project was launched, the main aim was to teach you how to demarcate unique populations in flow cytometry graphs while sending the end result of your efforts, the analyzed graphs, to CCP’s partners at UNIMORE, MMOS, McGill, and the University of British Columbia who would then use that data to understand COVID-19 better. Solid progress has been made on that front, which is fantastic, and if you’d like to learn more about that, then give this podcast a listen or visit McGill’s website about the project. That said, it was always known that at some point in time the approach would need to be refined, and it turns out that that time is now.

"EVE Online players are doing an exceptional job. The accuracy of their analyses is very high, which demonstrates the extraordinary attention that is paid to what is actually not just a game but a real fight against COVID. Players from all over the world are proving that collaboration with scientists is absolutely successful and that together we can do a lot, in a very difficult moment in which the uncertainties are much greater than ever.” - Dr. Andrea Cossarizza, Professor of Pathology and Immunology at the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia School of Medicine in Italy.

While Project Discovery participants have produced invaluable flow cytometry data over the past three months, after our scientific partners compiled your submissions and looked them over with their decades of laboratory experience, they have now issued a challenge for you to produce even more accurate graphs. To do that, though, you will need to learn a few additional things about flow cytometry and the plots being used, as well as what could be done better.

For most of the Capsuleer-analyzed plots, the data being produced is the gold standard of gold standards. Anything that looks like the following graphs is already being analyzed adeptly. Don’t change your approach for these.



The hope is to improve clustering in charts that look like these two, which are more difficult to properly analyze because of the peculiarities involved in turning real-world blood and cell samples into 2D plots.



It’s best to start by talking about what makes Type A samples unique: their fancy tails. Known as ‘smears’ in the world of flow cytometry, the thin band of cells on either side of the high-density cluster contain valuable information about how COVID-19 impacts cells. The presence of smears mean that cells are maturing slowly and that there are several cells in-between new and mature. In short, there are a lot of cell types present even though there aren’t that many dots on the plot. Figuring out where the populations are, that is, where the ‘clusters’ of cells are, is incredibly valuable when trying to understand viral impact on cell populations. These kinds of plots are a big deal and while it does not appear that there is a lot of information on them about cells, there definitely is.

Type A samples are also tricky to interpret because of a design choice made at CCP in tandem with MMOS and the scientists, namely, to remove the interval marks on either side of the plot. The removal of the labeling of these graphs was done in part to combat botting and in part to make a more streamlined user experience. That included removing the tick marks, which matters because all the plots we’ve been given are mapped on logarithmic axes. This means that as the number on the interval mark gets bigger, there are exponentially more proteins present at that portion of the cell. One dot becomes 1000 proteins at the tick mark labeled “3” on the Type A sample. Essentially, one dot at the top right of the plot is equivalent in protein amount to thousands of dots in the bottom left of the plot.

So how does this impact Capsuleer clustering? Simply stated, it is important to make sure to separate smears from high-density clusters. Instead of producing charts that look like this…



…we need to instead produce charts that look like this:



Doing this is relatively easy on plots where the side smear aligns with the high-density cluster like above. In this case, just demarcate the bottom smear by aligning your polygon with the lower end of the opposite smear. Try to mirror your clusters. Where it gets to be a bit more complicated is in samples like this:



In this sample, the side smear to the left is much smaller than the other and would cut straight through the high-density cluster if mirrored. Don’t do this. Instead, think of these samples like comets, where you’re trying to separate the tail of the comet from its body. Doing so will produce even more valuable data about these particularly unique cell populations.

Comet plots aside, it is also important to address the Type B graphs and how those can be better clustered. As seen above, these cytometry plots look like an amalgamation of cell populations. Until now, Capsuleers have done an excellent job of demarcating the left, right, and middle of Type B charts. However, you’ll notice that there is a cluster of data points sort of sliding off of the high-density area. Think of these as rogue cells, vying to break free from the larger cluster. They need to be categorized as a separate group accordingly.

To do so, one must simply mark the polygon at the thinnest point of separation between the two clusters. When that cannot be easily determined, try to mirror each cluster off the other and draw a separating line through the middle of the mirror.

All of this said, it is beyond impressive how many robust samples EVE Online players have submitted thus far, and there is no doubt at all that you’re up for the challenge of more accurately demarcating Project Discovery’s trickiest datasets yet.

“This project is crashing through all my expectations, with players continuing to show great engagement and interest in the work we are doing, as well as providing huge amounts of high-quality data for our research. Their efforts will not only contribute to the understanding of COVID-19, but the data they are generating will also be freely and widely shared with the entire scientific community. There is very high interest in re-using their results for the generation of machine learning algorithms. There is simply no other resource out there for this anywhere close to what is now being generated.” - Dr. Ryan Brinkman, Professor in Medical Genetics, the University of British Columbia, Distinguished Scientist at BC Cancer.

A new Abyssal Proving Grounds event is now live in EVE Online, so make sure you have your Proving Filaments handy either from Abyssal Deadspace loot drops, or from the in-game market!

Until 11:00 UTC on 22 September, you can engage in 4-player Tech 1 Cruiser free-for-all combat, meaning that the permitted hulls for this event include the Arbitrator, Bellicose, Blackbird, Caracal, Celestis, Maller, Moa, Omen, Rupture, Stabber, Thorax, Vexor - limited to meta 4 modules (no Tech 2, Faction/Deadspace/Officer/Abyssal modules). Pirate implants are also restricted.

Don't forget, you can keep track of Capsuleer performance and prowess in this event using the leaderboards!

Courageous Capsuleers,

The Triglavian Invasion will soon reach its zenith, and as this finale approaches, both the Triglavians and EDENCOM have reported that Capsuleers loyal to their respective causes will be rewarded!

Jump into the conflict before it's too late and choose your side, as any Capsuleer who has obtained standings with either the Triglavians or EDENCOM will receive the aforementioned rewards.


Tier 1 - for those with +0.01 standing for either side:



Tier 2 - for those with +1 standing for either side:



Tier 3 - for those with +2 standing for either side:



Tier 4 - for those with +3 standing for either side:



In further news, EDENCOM has released a statement urging all Capsuleers who currently live in systems conquered by Triglavian forces to relocate and find a new home immediately. The following systems are currently affected:

• Ahtila
  
• Angymonne
  
• Archee
  
• Arvasaras
  
• Harva
  
• Ichoriya
  
• Ignebaener
  
• Kaunokka
  
• Kino
  
• Komo
  
• Konola
  
• Kuharah
  
• Nalvula
  
• Nani
  
• Niarja
  
• Otanuomi
  
• Otela
  
• Raravoss
  
• Sakenta
  
• Skarkon
  
• Senda
  
• Tunudan
  
• Urhinichi
  
• Vale
  
• Wirashoda

Capsuleers, It's time to declare your allegiance!

Lightning Capsuleers,

As part of the Zenith Quadrant, the new Rolling Thunder update will go live on 22 September, providing a fresh balance pass for the new EDENCOM line of ships. There will also be changes to Gallente and Minmatar Force Auxiliaries, plus Black Ops ships.

In addition to the ship changes, there will also be daily login rewards from 25 - 27 September, including new unique SKINs for all three EDENCOM ships, as well as boosters designed to benefit Vorton Projector weapons, and free Skill Points!

By increasing the amount of damage EDENCOM ships are able to inflict, they'll be better balanced generally. In addition, the DED Loyalty Point Store offers for EDENCOM items will have their costs reduced, making them more affordable across the board.

Furthermore, all Black Ops ships are finally getting a Fuel Bay upgrade and there will be improved resistance profiles for Black Ops Battleships.

To complement the Rolling Thunder update, EVE Online's New Eden Store will be offering 25% off the following SKINs from 22 - 29 September, downtime to downtime:

• Tronhadar Ink (Lif and Panther)
  
• Inner Zone Vanguard (Ninazu)
  
• Oasis of Faith (Redeemer)
  
• Zento Isideko Combine (Widow)
  
• Ruby Sungrazer (Sin)
  
• Firewatch (Marshal)

Dear Capsuleers,

In September 2018, we updated our Real-Life Harassment & Threats Policy and introduced a zero-tolerance approach to dealing with these issues. After two years of this zero-tolerance policy, there have been instances whose outcomes did not reflect the good intentions we envisaged when we first implemented this policy.

One of the pillars of EVE is that while New Eden is cruel, it is also fair. We want our in-game policies to reflect that fairness and, in the same way that Capsuleers do not have only one life, those EVE players who have violated some of our policies should not always be subject to our harshest punishment at strike one.

In the spirit of reflecting, learning and growth, we have decided to evolve our policy. Effective immediately, we will be subjecting future alleged violations of these policies to a case-by-case review and reducing the absolute policy of permabanning on a first offense. We recognize that EVE Online is a game that, more than most, generates strong feelings and strong attachments, moreover that these reactions can lead to people making poor decisions and saying things in the heat of the moment. There should always be a place in EVE for those who are willing to acknowledge they have made a mistake and demonstrate a genuine willingness to change. Our goal is to provide those pilots with a shot at redemption and an opportunity to return to New Eden.

Even though some pilots will be able to rejoin the EVE Online community again, bans for serious offenses will continue to be upheld, as protecting the health of the game and the community remains of paramount importance to us. The following actions remain expressly prohibited and will still result in a permaban if the allegations are substantiated:

• Serious, targeted and credible personal harassment and/or doxxing
  
• Real-Money Trading and botting
  
• Extreme and repeated racism and/or hate speech
  
• Serious in-game exploit abuse
  
• Other serious, malicious activities included in the Real-Life Harassment & Threats Policy

Players that have previously been permabanned for lesser infractions can appeal for a review of their ban under this new approach. Those players who wish to return to New Eden should send an email to redemption@eveonline.com and begin the process of review, providing as much information as they have about their ban and why they feel they should be reinstated. Appeals will only be accepted from the player who has been banned, and requests to lift penalties for others will be disregarded.

If a permabanned player is allowed to return, we will monitor their progress to ensure they comply with our policies. In effect, they will be on probation.

Justice without mercy is cruelty. While New Eden can be a cruel and dangerous place and our players are some of the hardest of the hardcore, we know how tight-knit, helpful, and compassionate the EVE community really is. Ensuring its continued betterment, health, and safety are essential to the long-term success of the game.

Fly safe
EVE Development Team

Proven Capsuleers,

The Triglavian Collective continue to dovetail their invasion efforts by inviting Capsuleers to test their might in the Abyssal Proving Grounds within the depths of Abyssal Deadspace! Accessible through dedicated sets of Proving Filaments that remain active during a series of limited time events, these new Proving Grounds will be accessible to small groups of Capsuleers, fighting against each other in a variety of specified ship types.

The schedule for the next three Abyssal Proving Grounds events is as follows:

18 - 22 September: 4-Player T1 Cruiser Free-For-All
Ship Types: Arbitrator, Bellicose, Blackbird, Caracal, Celestis, Maller, Moa, Omen, Rupture, Stabber, Thorax, Vexor - limited to meta level restriction of 4 for modules (no Tech 2, Faction/Deadspace/Officer/Abyssal modules). Pirate implants are also restricted.

25 - 29 September: 1v1 T1 Combat and Navy Faction Frigates
Ship Types: Punisher, Tormentor, Merlin, Kestrel, Incursus, Tristan, Rifter, Breacher, Imperial Navy Slicer, Crucifier Navy Issue, Caldari Navy Hookbill, Griffin Navy Issue, Federation Navy Comet, Maulus Navy Issue, Republic Fleet Firetail, Vigil Fleet Issue - with a meta level restriction of 5 for modules (nothing higher than T2). Pirate implants are also restricted.

2 - 6 October: 2v2 T1 Crusiers
Ship Types: Arbitrator, Bellicose, Blackbird, Caracal, Celestis, Maller, Moa, Omen, Rupture, Stabber, Thorax, Vexor - limited to 1 ship type with a meta level restriction of 5 for modules (no Faction/Deadspace/Officer/Abyssal modules). Pirate implants are also restricted.

Be sure to check out full details on how the Abyssal Proving Grounds events work and keep track of Capsuleer performance and prowess in these Proving Grounds events using the leaderboards!

Fearless Capsuleers,

As their invasion of New Eden reaches its zenith, the Triglavians' home region becomes simultaneously more inviting and more treacherous for Capsuleers. The Depths of the Abyss update introduces new tiers to Abyssal Deadspace, allowing players who are unfamiliar with the Abyss a chance to experience it at a more accessible level, while also offering more experienced Capsuleers even greater challenges and rewards!

Another element of the Depths of the Abyss update is that Capsuleers can now enter all Abyssal Deadspace tiers in a team of two Destroyers (including Tech 3), adding to the existing solo Cruiser and 3x Frigate entry format.

The introduction of Tier 0 sites to Abyssal Deadspace offers less experienced, curious Capsuleers an opportunity to dip their toe into Abyssal Deadspace with less danger. This will allow them to become familiar with the kind of ships and environments they can expect to encounter at higher tiers. There will also be a series of recommended fits for Tier 0 and Tier 1 Abyssal Deadspace pockets added in the community fittings section in-game, courtesy of the Abyssal Lurkers player group! They also have an in-game chat channel and Discord channel.

For those who are looking for a greater challenge, new Tier 6 Abyssal Deadspace pockets offer even better rewards, giving seasoned Abyss runners something new to master.

In addition, there are new groups of NPCs for Capsuleers to face at all tiers of Abyssal Deadspace. Expect some different Triglavian foes, and even pirate faction adversaries that have not been seen in the Abyss before!

Finally, this massive Abyssal Deadspace update adds exciting tactical piloting options through new velocity boosting environmental clouds and brings with it the first ever capital ship mutaplasmids!

Masterful Capsuleers,

The awesome GM Week is nearly upon us once more, and that means competitions, prizes, events, and more to look forward to from 14 - 19 September! Get into the GM Week spirit and join in with this annual community event for the chance to win great prizes, interact with devs in-game, whack some bots from New Eden - and most of all - to have some fun in space!

There will be opportunities to grab Orbital Stashes, with containers planted around specific locations in New Eden. These containers will test your knowledge of EVE before they give up their goods, and you can expect clues to be given out during GM Week.

The Scavenger Hunt will see GMs issue invitations to players to come and find them somewhere in space, with more hints and clues given out through official channels, for the chance to get more loot!

The schedule for this year is packed and we have several activities and contests that will be taking place at different times throughout the week, pending Game Masters availability because, you know, they still want to reply to your tickets as soon as possible!

Week-long events include:

• Orbital Stash
  
• Scavenger Hunt
  
• Game Masters visiting rookie systems
  
• Game Masters interacting with players via in-game official language channels
  
• Short Story Competition*
  
• Potato PC Competition*
  
• Worst Ship Fit Competition*

*All competitions will start on Monday 14 September at 12:00 UTC and close on Thursday 17 September at 23:59 UTC. Exact details will be shared next week via the official thread on the EVE Online forums.

In addition, there are a few events that will start at specific times:

• Whack-A-Bot in Yulai – Monday 14 September at 17:00 UTC
  
• Fleet with BjornBee, GMs, and ISDs – Tuesday 15 September at 17:00 UTC
  
• Reddit AMA Game Masters Edition – Thursday 17 September at 15:00 UTC
  
• End of week and competition winners announced – Friday 18 September at 17:00 UTC

As mentioned above, there will be more details released on all the GM Week 2020 competitions, so keep your eyes peeled for that!