We know a thing or two about collabs at Epic Games, so we’re 100% here for EVE Online’s reveal that it’s working with Microsoft to export data from their space sim directly into Microsoft Excel. 

There is no more iconic duo than EVE Online and ‘spreadsheet in space’ jokes. Beneath the glittering backdrops and gorgeous space battles, there’s a deep simulation running a very volatile economy, and easily accessing those calculations could mean the difference between a comfortable cockpit and oblivion. With this announcement, developers CCP embraced the spreadsheet gag while also providing anyone in-game easy to filter data directly from the long-running space MMO. 

“I’m not lying,” said Creative Director Bergur Finnbogason as he introduced the addon during EVE Fanfest’s 2022 keynote address on May 6. The fans understood. The fans cheered.  

He continued: “Plans for world domination definitely require deep-planning, and corporations and alliances invest a lot into data for intelligence or efficiency. And the initial knowledge and cost for setting up these systems can be pretty daunting for small groups. With this in mind, we reached out to our friends at Microsoft Excel.” 

Microsoft’s response: “Oh my god! We love Eve!”

Players will be able to add a JavaScript API to Excel to seamlessly export data from EVE Online. The prototype shows off a spreadsheet called 'EVE Online Item Search', that uses Excel to find an adjusted cost for a ship, filtered from a vast number of results all pulled from the live game. It’s a small example of the program’s potential that Finnbogason thinks could have wide-ranging implications, with fans building their own tools to gain an edge. 

“Data is massively important to many advanced playstyles in EVE,” he said. “By simplifying the access to data for all, we will level the playfront when it comes to the tools of the sandbox.” 

“Whether it's for satisfying your curiosity, or maximizing your industrial enterprise, or managing your front-line warfare. It’s in your hands to create the tools for your advantage.”

More information about the Microsoft partnership will be available later this year.

BTW, Clippy? Call us.