Abiotic Factor

Abiotic Factor is a 2025 survival game developed by New Zealand-based independent studio Deep Field Games and published by Playstack. Set in 1993, players assume the role of scientists stranded in a vast underground research facility in the Australian outback. Players must salvage furniture, collect office supplies, craft tools, build fortifications, defend against paranormal containment breaches, and travel through interdimensional portals in an effort to escape to the surface. Development began in early 2022 and was conducted remotely by a team of around ten developers. Its co-op gameplay was influenced by titles such as Valheim and Sea of Thieves, while its art direction and setting drew inspiration from Valve's Half-Life series. Abiotic Factor was released for Windows, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on 22 July 2025, following an early access release in May 2024. During its stage in early access, the game has received three major updates: "Crush Depth" on 12 August 2024, "Dark Energy" on 4 February 2025, and, along with its full release on 22 July 2025, "Cold Fusion". Abiotic Factor received critical praise for its genre-blending design, narrative, and multiplayer integration. The game received an overwhelmingly positive reception on Steam and was nominated for "Best Multiplayer Game" at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards.