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Abiotic Factor

Abiotic Factor Nominated for Golden Joystick Best Multiplayer Game

Last Updated: November 5, 2025

Abiotic Factor gameplay featuring scientists crafting in the GATE facility.

The breakout scientific survival-crafting game, Abiotic Factor, has secured a major nomination at the prestigious 2024 Golden Joystick Awards. Developer Deep Field Games’ critically acclaimed title is in the running for “Best Multiplayer Game,” marking a significant milestone for the Early Access success story.

In a huge win for independent developers, the unique co-op survival game Abiotic Factor has been recognized by one of the industry's longest-running award bodies. The game, which thrusts players into the role of scientists surviving a catastrophic containment breach in a secret underground facility, earned a nomination in the highly competitive “Best Multiplayer Game” category at the 2024 Golden Joystick Awards.

The Significance of the Golden Joystick Awards

The Golden Joystick Awards hold a special place in the gaming world, primarily because they are decided by public vote. Unlike jury-selected awards, the Golden Joysticks reflect the voice of the global gaming community, making a nomination—let alone a win—a true measure of a game's popular appeal and impact. For Abiotic Factor to be featured in such a competitive category is a clear indicator of its widespread success and the passion of its player base.

The “Best Multiplayer Game” category celebrates titles that deliver exceptional shared experiences, and Abiotic Factor's inclusion highlights its ability to compete with the industry's biggest players while retaining its unique indie spirit.

What Makes Abiotic Factor a Strong Contender?

Abiotic Factor distinguishes itself from other survival games with its unique premise and meticulous attention to detail. Instead of battling zombies or wilderness, players must use their scientific intellect to overcome paranormal threats, hostile military forces, and the crumbling infrastructure of the GATE facility. The game’s core loop revolves around crafting tools, securing a base, and conducting research to unlock new technologies, all while managing hunger, thirst, and even sanity.

Key features that have contributed to its success include:

  • Deep Co-op Integration: The game is designed from the ground up for 1-6 players, encouraging teamwork and specialized roles within the scientist team, making its multiplayer nomination especially fitting.
  • Retro-Futuristic Charm: Its visual style is a loving homage to classic sci-fi games from the late 90s and early 2000s, evoking a strong sense of nostalgia while feeling fresh and modern.
  • Emergent Storytelling: The unscripted nature of the survival experience allows players to create their own narratives of disaster, discovery, and camaraderie.
  • Consistent Updates: The developers at Deep Field Games have been actively supporting the game through its Early Access period, responding to community feedback and regularly adding new content.

A Bright Future for a Scientific Breakthrough

This nomination represents a major validation for the development team at Deep Field Games and publisher Playstack. As an Early Access title, this level of recognition suggests a very bright future for Abiotic Factor as it continues its development toward a full 1.0 release. The increased visibility will undoubtedly attract new players to the GATE facility, further growing the community and providing valuable feedback for the developers.

For the scientists at Deep Field Games, this moment is more than just an award nomination; it's proof that their unique formula for cooperative survival and science has created one of the most memorable multiplayer experiences of the year.