Dubbed "Tyrannis," the update will allow players to begin harvesting resources from all of the planets in the online universe and is due before the summer solstice on June 21, 2010.

This focus on planets paves the way for the eventual EVE Online-set console shooter DUST 514. That said, planet-centric combat for EVE Online will not arrive with Tyrannis, and is instead slated to arrive in a later expansion at a nebulous "later date."

"This expansion is about exploration and industry. When something goes bad or breaks it is because of the owner's mismanagement, and when things are awesome and perfect, it is because of skill and hard labor on part of the player," explained CCP.

Along with planet harvesting, Tryannis will include various "optimizations and improvements" and a new web-based front-end called "EVE Gate" that allows players to access their in-game mail, calendar and contacts through a web browser.