First Contact Protocol

A deep-space collision. A spreading contamination. A crew with conflicting goals. As you explore the ship and try to repair it, every choice you make matters. Some decisions combine in unexpected ways, leading to different outcomes.

About the Developer

Bio

Name / Studio Name

Ben Jelter

Location

Vermont, USA

How It Started

I’ve been trying to make games for most of my adult life, but programming always felt like a major barrier. Things changed when I discovered GB Studio – it gave me the freedom to create games without needing deep programming knowledge, and that opened the door to more serious development.

Other Games / Projects

The Machine, Unearthed, Metamorphosis Collection, and a few smaller titles.

Fun Fact

I usually start by sketching out a lot of the game on paper. Eventually I realized games are just too complex to track that way – so now I do all my notes and planning in digital tools with infinite canvases. It helps keep everything organized without running out of space!

The Idea

Why I Made This Game

I wanted to tell a grounded sci-fi story on a more intimate scale – something smaller, more character-focused.

What Makes This Game Special

It’s the first game I’ve made using GB Studio 4, and the improvements to the engine were exciting to work with. Compared to my earlier projects, I was able to do a lot more visually, and it was fun pushing those boundaries.

You'll Love This If...

You're a fan of sci-fi, a puzzle lover, or a player who enjoys games with strong character motivations and interpersonal dynamics.

Inspiration / Influences

There are definitely parts that echo Metal Gear, especially in the stealth and movement design. The visual style is loosely inspired by the original Alien – grimy, grounded sci-fi with atmosphere.

Favorite Feature

Without giving too much away, the game includes some creative and surprising ways to get from point A to point B. Those mechanics keep things unexpected and playful.