What's Happening?
The developers of EVE Online's survival spinoff, Frontier, are exploring the possibility of making the game compatible with the Steam Deck. This initiative, described as a 'side quest' by game director Sæmundur Hermannsson, aims to leverage the game's
new gamepad support to reach a broader audience. Frontier product manager Scott McCabe has been testing the game on Valve's handheld device, noting that the Linux compatibility layer Proton could facilitate this transition. While Steam Deck support is not officially on the development roadmap, the team sees it as a logical step given the game's manual control system.
Why It's Important?
Expanding Frontier's compatibility to the Steam Deck could significantly increase its accessibility and player base. The Steam Deck, known for its portability and PC-like capabilities, offers a new platform for gamers who prefer handheld devices. This move aligns with the developers' goal to make the game available to as many players as possible, potentially increasing its popularity and user engagement. Additionally, the focus on gamepad support and modding capabilities could attract a diverse range of players, enhancing the game's community and longevity.
What's Next?
While official Steam Deck support is not yet confirmed, the developers' ongoing experiments suggest that it could become a reality in the future. The gaming community will be keen to see how Frontier performs on the Steam Deck and whether it can maintain the same level of gameplay experience as on traditional PCs. The success of this initiative could encourage other game developers to consider similar expansions, further integrating handheld devices into the mainstream gaming ecosystem.
