Earlier this month I sent myself a 21 day trial invite to exploit the benefits of running multiple accounts, a practice that is considered a norm to many. Multiboxing isn't new to online games but why is this prevalent in EVE?
EVE's advancement mechanic limits skill training to one character at a time even though three can exist in a single account. Each career takes a considerable amount of time to develop so one has the choice of either waiting for months to perform a role effectively or creating a new character to reach that goal faster. This extends to meta gaming as well. Devious capsuleers would, for whatever their motive, plot behind enemies or unsuspecting victims by assuming a new identity.
Success in New Eden can always be measured in terms of ISK value. The majority of activities capulseers engage in revolve around generating revenue be it mining, trading, or ransoming; the list can go on as long as one's imagination. Mission runners like to talk about how much they've made in an hour. Some are rumored to have reached nirvana after picking up consecutive faction loots. Even in PvP, apart from the outcome of the battlefield or a campaign's going forward, he or she who is able to cause others more loss is considered to have done a better job. My current goal is to build a stable cash cow who will supply game time coupons for all the accounts that I might own in the future and allow Dax Jr. to concentrate on his battles once he is ready to join a warring alliance.
In the first couple of weeks the alt, who will not be named at this time, saw no action nor heard from anyone other than Dax Jr., who wired money for basic attribute implants and advanced learning skills. He was sometimes seen talking with tutorial agents at Trossere and even befriended two of them. But he mostly kept to himself. One day he abruptly left for Dodixie and later emerged in a Retriever.
Dax Jr. patiently awaits to haul ore.
It soon became clear why private corps ran regular mining ops. Gaining access to the more valuable ores with logistics support and a security detail were obvious. One defining factor I failed to see was EVE's fleet bonus system, a party buff in traditional MMO, which, when applied to mining makes a lone miner far less competitive. A booster who is fully trained and equipped in Mining Foreman provides up to +29% more yield to everyone in the fleet. Add to that a full array of skilled refiners, manufacturers and traders who can lend a helping hand. I suppose it's time for me to join a corp.
For those who are interested or planning on mining, be sure to read Halada's <The Complete Miner's Guide>.
