🕹️ SULFUR on Steam Deck: What We Adapted and Why
As we approach the release of SULFUR, we’ve put in some extra work to make sure it feels right on the Steam Deck. Valve’s handheld has quickly become a go-to for indie games, and we wanted to make sure our game plays great on the go without losing any of the challenge. Here’s a look at the things we have done to tailor SULFUR for the Steam Deck.
Showcasing SULFUR on Steamdeck at PAX West 2024
🎛️ Control Remapping & Analogue Gamefeel
We made some changes to the controls to fit the Steam Deck’s layout, ensuring button prompts are clear and representative. We also included non-linear analogue stick input for better control and allowed for full button remapping. Whether docked or handheld, the controls are easy to tweak so they feel right for you.
🏃 Making Platforming More Forgiving
To keep platforming smooth in handheld mode, we added a bit of extra coyote time. This small change gives players a grace period after running off a ledge to still make a jump, making gameplay feel more forgiving without losing the challenge.
🖥️ UI Adjustments for Handheld Play
When we updated the UI for the Steam Deck, we had taken inspiration from games like Diablo, Escape from Tarkov, and thankfully Resident Evil 4. Our goal was to make sure everything was easy to navigate and read on a smaller screen, while still staying true how SULFUR is played on PC. We also decided against using the touch screen for UI interactions because, honestly, clean screens matter. Everything is built around smooth button navigation instead.
📺 Performance Tweaks for Smooth Play
Steam Deck’s 1280x800 resolution gave us some work to do, but we’ve adjusted SULFUR to look good and run smoothly on the device. One big improvement we made was switching out all sprites for SVGs (vector art), which are far less taxing on the system. This change not only helps the game run smoother but also significantly improves battery life.
🎯 Using Gyro Aiming for Precision
For those who like more precision, we added a custom controller with gyro functionality for aiming down sights (ADS). You can tilt the Steam Deck to fine-tune your aim, which adds a nice layer of control when you’re in the middle of a fight.
🔧 Conclusion: Steam Deck Is a Great Platform for FPS too
We’re really excited about what the Steam Deck brings to both players and developers. For us, adapting SULFUR wasn’t just about making the game work—it was about making it feel right. The Steam Deck offers indie devs a unique way to connect with players who otherwise might stick to console, and as we keep improving the game and adding content through early access, the Deck remains a perfect platform for pushing boundaries for indie-FPS on gamepad. And hopefully we're giving players new ways to engage with the challenge and depth that SULFUR offers!
✅ Note - Left to fix:
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Stashing ammo & money with controller: This feature is currently being added to the game’s control functionality to allow for smooth inventory management with a gamepad, making it easier for players to stash items while using a controller or Steam Deck. - UI cooking bug: There is a known issue where items are accidentally added to the cauldron during cooking. This bug is being resolved as quickly as possible to prevent unintended item placement while players are managing their cooking inventory.
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Shooting while running: Shooting while running should be possible, but it will interrupt the run. The planned solution is to automatically un-toggle the run when aiming, allowing players to shoot without fully stopping their movement.
