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Protocol header art

Protocol

By signing below, you agree to follow the Protocol. Protocol is a program of strict rules created to make first contact with an alien life form that got shot down in the Arctic Circle.

Steam Page
Release
November 20, 2018
7 years and 256 days ago
Steam Reviews
Mostly Positive340 reviews74.4%

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Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
A separate publisher is listed for this release.
Search Google: Is Protocol self-published or published by Sad Horse studio?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is Protocol and Sad Horse studio funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for Protocol and Fair Games Studio?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Updated: Jul 13, 2026Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.
The game was released through a separate publisher.

Media

7 items

About the Game

Gameplay time: 9-12 hours
In this game, you may find yourself in many deadlocks the only way out of which is DEATH. This game may make you angry more than once. This game may make you re-play some moments over and over.

You were chosen to carry out the Protocol program.

Your objective is to make "first contact" with an alien life form.
Any violation of the Protocol will lead to the elimination of you and the entire operation.
Remember, the fate of the humanity may depend on your actions.
Once signed, the Protocol must be promptly implemented.
Have a nice day!

Plot
The action of Protocol, most likely, takes place in the near future. You are a flippant soldier who signs up for the Protocol program implementation. Packed in a landing box and dropped off somewhere in the Arctic Circle, not far from the Terminus research complex, your main objective is to follow a mysterious AI's orders, who uses you to make ""first contact"" within the Protocol program framework. Any deviation from AI's orders is considered to be a violation of Protocol; leading to the elimination of the complex and staff.

Features
Protocol is a sci-fi comedy with a hint of horror, action and a twisted love story.
Uncover an intriguing plot filled with conspiracies, plot twists, countless expletives, dark humour, and some light-hearted mockery.

Have a Nice Day!
This is a phrase you will love AND hate because you have violated the Protocol AGAIN. If you think that hardcore is when you can defeat the biggest bosses, then try not to die when taking a snowball.

Genre ambiguity
We still can't decide which genre suits this game. Adventure? Puzzle? Shooter? Immersive sim (seriously?)? Walking simulator? Crazy trip? Or, maybe... All in one?

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