Atlas might not dominate mainstream gaming news anymore, but it continues to thrive in tight-knit communities of devoted players who still love the thrill of the open seas. As I’ve written before, Atlas would have sunk to the ocean floor long ago if it weren’t for the dedicated server owners who keep unofficial public servers afloat — allowing us all to share and enjoy a game that once held such promise.
One such gem is Eclipse PVP, run by Tommy Shelby. Tommy isn’t just a server owner; he’s the heart of a community that has weathered countless storms.
About a month ago, I was preparing to write a farewell blog for Eclipse PVP. I had braced myself to watch another beloved server vanish beneath the waves into Davy Jones’ locker. I felt genuinely sad knowing how much time, energy, and money go into running these servers. While there are incredible players who make it all worthwhile, there are also those who can turn the experience into a nightmare for both owners and players alike.
In the spirit of celebrating the work and dedication behind Eclipse PVP, I sat down with Tommy for an interview to explore what drives him, the challenges he faces, and why he keeps going despite it all.
Question: Tell us a bit about yourself! What inspired you to start your own Atlas server?
Tommy Shelby: I played official for two or three weeks after my mate got me into the game. He then rage quit, and I ended up moving to unofficial servers. After playing on a few, I found one I liked — but that server closed down. I was fed up with so many admin abusers, so I decided to start my own server.
Ambrose Fider: We’ve all seen cases of admin abuse. Sometimes, having that kind of power can give off "God complex" vibes. In life, positions of power can lead to aggressive behavior, and gaming communities are no exception.
Question: When did your server first set sail, and what was your vision for it?
Tommy Shelby: I’ve had servers up for about a year and a half. My vision is to have a server that isn’t pay-to-win and is easy to set up for PvP without players worrying about losing everything.
Ambrose Fider: When my husband and I first joined Eclipse, we were so happy to find the grind less daunting. You added mods we already loved, which made the experience even better. Of course, we witnessed exploits and "grey area" tactics from players who had learned them on official servers. And there are always tribes who pride themselves on wiping smaller groups until they rage quit. We considered quitting many times. But you showed true dedication, always being attentive and working to create an environment where even with PvP and ship vs. ship battles, the community could grow and thrive. That means so much to so many of us.
Question: What does a “normal” week look like behind the scenes?
Tommy Shelby: I work four days a week and have two kids. I try to spend as much time as I can on the computer.
Ambrose Fider: Balancing real life and a gaming community is a challenge few appreciate. It takes a special kind of person to dedicate precious after-work and family hours to helping others enjoy a game — often as an escape from their own responsibilities.
Question: What are some of the biggest day-to-day challenges you face that players might not realize?
Tommy Shelby: Tickets and crybabies. Having to put up with them and always being accused of favoritism.
Ambrose Fider: That can be so draining. We can’t like everyone we meet, whether online or in real life. Even with the best intentions, sometimes we snap. And in a gaming community, that pressure can be magnified.
Question: How do you handle balancing player demands while protecting fairness?
Tommy Shelby: Not entirely sure really, haha. I just try to look at both sides, but you’ll never please everyone.
Ambrose Fider: It’s true — this question is open-ended and tough to answer perfectly. But your willingness to consider both sides shows your commitment to fairness and diplomacy. Decision-making is never easy, especially when you know someone personally and have to separate that from in-game behavior.
Question: Can you share the costs involved in running an Atlas server?
Tommy Shelby: Around £200 a month, plus any extra stuff I need.
Ambrose Fider: That’s significant. In Canadian dollars, that’s about $372 a month — nearly a full paycheck for some. Even in US dollars, it’s roughly $271, which is still groceries or a bill for many. You’re providing a space for people to play without asking them to pay-to-play, and that deserves immense respect.
Question: Besides financial costs, what personal or emotional costs have you experienced?
Tommy Shelby: Stress and abuse from people, lol.
Ambrose Fider: I saw how that wore on you, especially when you considered shutting down Eclipse. Even though we hadn’t spoken in voice chat, I could tell through our text chats on Discord that you are fair and genuinely want to give others a great gaming experience. I’m sorry you had to endure so much negativity.
Question: What has been your favorite memory as a server owner?
Tommy Shelby: Just seeing people have fun.
Ambrose Fider: The events have been unforgettable, win or lose. The ship vs. ship battles were particularly thrilling. One event I remember lasted seven hours, with two teams battling fiercely — it was wild and full of adrenaline. You even fell asleep at the start of that one! But seeing players push their limits and come together is exactly what makes it special.
Question: What’s been the most difficult or disheartening experience?
Tommy Shelby: Being called an abusive admin.
Ambrose Fider: We’re all human, and our patience has limits. People often forget we have lives and struggles outside the game. Combining those challenges with a sometimes toxic gaming environment can push anyone too far.
Question: How do you manage conflicts between players?
Tommy Shelby: Just tell them to take it to Salt or fight it out on the water.
Ambrose Fider: Ahh yes; The infamous Salt Channel — never a dull moment! Hashing out issues on the seas is fitting. If only we really could make them walk the plank!
Question: What has running a server taught you?
Tommy Shelby: Not much, haha.
Ambrose Fider: I think we learn a lot about people — their perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors. Even the saltiest players sometimes turn out to be kind in other contexts. You’ve shown incredible patience and leadership, even if it doesn't always feel that way.
Question: What advice would you give yourself if you could go back?
Tommy Shelby: To realize I can’t please everyone.
Ambrose Fider: A valuable lesson. We all start out wanting to make something perfect for everyone, but that’s just not possible.
Question: Where do you see the future of your server and Atlas as a whole?
Tommy Shelby: There’s not much of a future since the devs quit.
Ambrose Fider: While that’s true in a technical sense, there’s still a community — even if small. Atlas has promise, and many players still dream of new adventures. Without dev support, it’s people like you keeping the spirit alive, bailing water and patching sails to keep her afloat.
Question: What would you like players to remember about your work?
Tommy Shelby: That I ran a fun server.
Ambrose Fider: And you certainly did — and still do. Thank you for giving us a space to hurl cannonballs, march onto islands, and bond with old and new friends alike.
Question: Describe your journey as a server owner in three words.
Tommy Shelby: Fun, hard, exciting.
Ambrose Fider: Thank you, Tommy, for sharing your story and for your incredible dedication. Atlas has been the foundation and inspiration for my book series, The Crimson Legacy. Your commitment has helped keep the spirit of Atlas alive and given me a place to dream up epic battles and adventures that now live on in my writing.
Having the chance to meet you and experience Eclipse has been an absolute privilege. I truly hope Eclipse PVP continues to thrive and bring joy to countless players for a long time to come.
Ambrose’s Reflection
As players, we often forget there’s a real person behind the helm of a server — someone dedicating time, money, and emotional energy to make sure we have a world to escape to. The costs add up, and the emotional toll can be steep.
It’s frustrating to lose a base or a ship you grew attached to. Discord chats can get salty (sometimes too salty, in my opinion), but at the end of the day, most of us are there to build, explore, and conquer with friends.
Tommy has shown immense dedication and patience, always striving to listen to his community. For me, Atlas became more than just a game — it sparked a creative journey that allowed me to leave a legacy for my family and readers.
Whether you’re a salty pirate or a quiet builder, thank you for helping me make a lifelong dream a reality. To some, my books or blog might not seem important. But to me, and to those who believed in me enough to push "publish," they mean everything.
Tommy, thank you for keeping Eclipse alive. And to the entire Eclipse community: may we continue to sail, battle, and build for years to come.
Until next time, lovelies — with gratitude.
Ambrose Fider
Indie author of The Crimson Legacy series