EVE Frontier, the survival spinoff from the universe of EVE Online, is making strides toward wider accessibility, with its developers actively pursuing compatibility for the Steam Deck. This initiative, described as a 'side quest' by game director Sæmundur Hermannsson, aims to leverage the game's newly implemented gamepad controls, potentially transforming how players engage with the hardcore space simulator. This move is seen as a natural progression following the successful integration of driving controls and gamepad support, which has already set Frontier apart from its MMO predecessor.
During the recent EVE Fanfest, the discussion around Frontier's evolving control schemes highlighted a growing interest in expanding its reach beyond traditional PC setups. Scott McCabe, the product manager for Frontier, confirmed that he and other team members have been personally testing the game on the Steam Deck. McCabe emphasized that the game's functionality on the Linux-based handheld largely mirrors that of a standard PC, with performance considerations being the main differentiator. This contrasts sharply with the original EVE Online, which, despite being playable on the Steam Deck, is less suited for handheld use due to its reliance on mouse and keyboard inputs.
Hermannsson underscored the feasibility of bringing Frontier to the Steam Deck, labeling it a 'no-brainer' given the game's existing gamepad-friendly design. He humorously acknowledged potential concerns from marketing regarding premature announcements but reiterated that the core challenge of adapting the game for gamepad input had already been overcome. Interestingly, the developers noted that the primary hurdle for Steam Deck integration was not the game itself, but rather technical issues related to the launcher and configuration files. This is a significant advantage over many other multiplayer titles that face compatibility problems on Linux due to anti-cheat software.
Frontier's unique approach to preventing cheating, which involves 'digital physics' and a highly moddable, eventually open-source architecture rather than traditional anti-cheat, neatly sidesteps a major obstacle for Steam Deck deployment. While Hermannsson personally isn't a dedicated handheld gamer, he views Deck compatibility as crucial for expanding the experimental game's appeal. Development director David Bowman succinctly summarized the team's philosophy: "Our goal is to get this to as many players as possible," highlighting a commitment to broad player access for this evolving space survival experience.
