‘I’m Not a Big Fan of Survival Games,’ Says Director of 2024’s Best Survival Game
Half-Life-inspired survival game Abiotic Factor has sold 300,000 copies so far.
For Geoff “Zag” Keene, founder of Deep Field Games, making Abiotic Factor was a way to reinvent survival games, a genre he isn’t typically fond of. Set in a post-disaster underground lab reminiscent of Half-Life’s Black Mesa, Abiotic Factor avoids the typical survival game grind of chopping trees and building cabins. Instead, players manage a schlubby scientist navigating the Gate Cascade Research Facility, dealing with basic needs in unconventional ways, such as smashing CRT monitors for parts and managing bodily functions through minigames.
Keene emphasized simplicity and depth in the game’s systems, drawing inspiration from Project Zomboid. He wanted fewer meters and more intuitive gameplay, where actions like getting sick prompt players to recall recent activities, enhancing the role-playing experience.
Despite its unique approach, Abiotic Factor has faced challenges in appealing to traditional survival crafting fans. However, its success and positive reception indicate that Keene’s fresh take on the genre has resonated with many players. The game continues to expand with new features and content planned for its 1.0 launch and beyond.
