Population Density

Back when I attended university I learned that one of the biggest obstacles to mass transit in the United States was population density. Unlike Europe, the U.S. just doesn't have the population density in most of the country to make mass transit profitable, or even just break even. In EVE Online, I believe that residents of some sovereignty-holding alliances are about to learn that population density is not just a problem for urban planners in the United States.

CCP designed the new sovereignty mechanics (a.k.a. FozzieSov) to encourage alliances to live in the space they claim. And by live, I mean ratting and mining in order to increase the defensive modifiers, not just flying through looking for interlopers. Two weeks ago, CCP Fozzie summarized all of the changes to PvE designed to make null sec more livable, including changes designed to allow for an increase in the population density of systems. The more pilots flying in space, the easier an alliance can flash form a defense fleet to drive off nuisance raids. Also, the easier an alliance can raise the defense indexes.

Most systems owned, 19 July 2015

The above graphic from Dotlan shows that most of the large alliances chose not to consolidate their holdings before the implementation of the new sovereignty system. Except for the two Imperium coalition alliances Goonswarm Federation (135.9 pilots/system) and Fidelas Constans (61.8 pilots/system), the rest of the top sov holders have a population density of under 20 pilots/system. In fact, Red Alliance (9.0 pilots/system) and the renter alliance Shadow of xXDEATHXx (8.7 pilots/system) both have a population density of under 10.

Is the population density of the Russian alliances on the list enough? The Goons evidently don't think so, as they announced a new rental program this weekend. The largest alliance with the highest population density is attempting to increase its population density and PvE activity even further. In the meantime, the two largest sovereignty holders are still rental alliances. Are the Russians not concerned because they struck a deal not to attack each other's renters?

Despite the spin coming from certain quarters, I don't think anyone really knows how the next six months will play out. The Imperium, especially Goonswarm Federation, is well positioned, however. If their leadership is correct, then a lot of space will changes hands over the next few months as the Russians pay for overextending themselves. And if The Mittani and crew are wrong? Well, then they will sweep out of the galactic north-west and cause havoc. I hear they miss Delve and want to go back anyway.