The devs of EVE Online’s survival spinoff are on a ‘side quest’ to get it on Steam Deck: ‘Our goal is to get this to as many players as possible’
EVE Frontier, the survival spinoff of EVE Online developed by Fenris Creations, is being brought to Steam Deck as the development team pursues what they’re calling a “side quest.” The portable PC gaming platform represents a significant new avenue for player accessibility, aligning with the developers’ goal to reach as many players as possible.
The primary challenge in bringing EVE Frontier to Steam Deck has been implementing gamepad support—a feature the team has already begun rolling out with new driving controls. According to game director Sæmundur Hermannsson, the transition to gamepad-friendly controls has fundamentally altered the game’s design compared to its original form as an MMO. Beyond input methods, EVE Frontier’s proprietary launcher has posed additional technical hurdles that the team must overcome for seamless Steam Deck compatibility.
The efforts were highlighted at this year’s EVE Fanfest, where the developers showcased the gamepad support and driving control improvements. These features demonstrate the development team’s commitment to modernizing the survival game’s infrastructure for different platforms and playstyles. Product manager Scott McCabe and other team members have been actively working toward the Steam Deck port, viewing it as a key priority in expanding the game’s potential audience.
This initiative reflects a broader industry trend of bringing previously PC-exclusive titles to portable gaming devices, particularly as Steam Deck adoption grows among players seeking AAA gaming experiences on the go.