Google DeepMind Forms Strategic Partnership and Investment with Fenris Creations

May 6, 2026, 19:58
EuropeTechnology

Introduction

Google DeepMind has bought a minority share in Fenris Creations, previously known as CCP Games, to use the EVE Online simulation for artificial intelligence research.

Main Body

The change in ownership was caused by a management buyout from the South Korean publisher Pearl Abyss. This deal was valued at $120 million, which is significantly lower than the $225 million Pearl Abyss paid in 2018. The company stated that the split happened because the two organizations had different strategic goals. After returning to its original management, the company rebranded as Fenris Creations. They have kept their current staff and emphasized that this new independence will allow them to make better long-term plans. Financial reports show that Fenris Creations lost about $20 million per year in 2023 and 2024. The company explained that these losses were due to the high cost of developing EVE Frontier and EVE Vanguard. However, the business returned to profitability in 2025, earning $70 million in revenue. Regarding the technical side, Google DeepMind wants to use the complex player behavior in EVE Online to improve general-purpose AI. Specifically, the partnership focuses on creating systems that can learn continuously and plan for the long term. To protect the experience of active players, DeepMind will run its tests on separate, offline servers. This follows DeepMind's usual strategy of using games like Go and StarCraft as safe environments to test algorithms before using them in the real world.

Conclusion

Fenris Creations is now an independent company working with Google DeepMind to bring AI research into the EVE Online world.

Learning

🚀 The "Cause and Effect" Upgrade

At the A2 level, you likely say: "The company lost money because they spent a lot on games." This is correct, but to reach B2, you need to vary how you connect ideas to sound more professional and fluid.

🔍 Analyzing the Text

Look at how the article describes the financial situation. Instead of just using "because," it uses these B2-level structures:

  1. "...was caused by..." (The change in ownership was caused by a management buyout)
  2. "...were due to..." (These losses were due to the high cost of developing...)

🛠ī¸ How to use this

The A2 Way (Simple):

"I was late because there was traffic."

The B2 Way (Sophisticated):

"My lateness was caused by heavy traffic." "The delay was due to traffic issues."

The Key Difference:

  • "Because" is a conjunction that starts a reason clause (Subject + Verb).
  • "Due to" and "Caused by" connect the result directly to a noun (a thing). This makes your writing feel more like a report and less like a casual conversation.

💡 Quick Shift Guide

A2 (Basic)B2 (Professional)Logic
It happened because of XIt was due to XResult →\rightarrow Reason
X made Y happenY was caused by XEffect →\rightarrow Cause

Vocabulary Learning

minority (n.)
A smaller part or group that is not the majority.
Example:The company bought a minority share in Fenris Creations.
share (n.)
A portion of ownership in a company.
Example:The new investors bought a share of the company.
simulation (n.)
A model or imitation of a real situation.
Example:They used the EVE Online simulation for AI research.
research (n.)
The systematic investigation to discover new knowledge.
Example:DeepMind conducts research on artificial intelligence.
management (n.)
The process of controlling and directing a company.
Example:The company returned to its original management.
buyout (n.)
The purchase of a company or its shares.
Example:The deal was a management buyout from Pearl Abyss.
valued (v.)
Estimated the worth of something.
Example:The deal was valued at $120 million.
significantly (adv.)
In a large or important way.
Example:The new price was significantly lower than before.
lower (adj.)
Less in amount or value.
Example:The share price was lower than last year.
strategic (adj.)
Related to planning and long-term goals.
Example:They had different strategic goals.
rebranded (v.)
Changed the brand name or image.
Example:The company rebranded as Fenris Creations.
independence (n.)
The state of being self-governing.
Example:The new independence will allow better planning.
long-term (adj.)
Lasting for an extended period.
Example:They plan for long-term success.
profitability (n.)
The ability to make a profit.
Example:The business returned to profitability in 2025.
algorithm (n.)
A set of rules for solving a problem.
Example:DeepMind tests algorithms on offline servers.
environment (n.)
The surroundings or conditions in which something operates.
Example:Games are used as safe environments for testing.
continuously (adv.)
Without interruption or pause.
Example:The AI learns continuously.
offline (adj.)
Not connected to the internet.
Example:Tests are run on offline servers.
strategy (n.)
A plan for achieving a goal.
Example:DeepMind's usual strategy involves games.
games (n.)
Structured activities for entertainment.
Example:Go and StarCraft are popular games.
safe (adj.)
Free from danger or harm.
Example:They use safe environments for testing.
active (adj.)
Engaged or in use.
Example:They protect the experience of active players.
tests (n.)
Trials to evaluate performance.
Example:DeepMind runs tests on servers.
separate (adj.)
Distinct or independent.
Example:The tests are on separate servers.
usual (adj.)
Common or typical.
Example:This is DeepMind's usual strategy.