For almost a week, the Epic Games Store has put its usual rhythm on hold to offer one free game per day for the end-of-year holidays. The event began with some very notable titles, before giving way to several independent productions. However, players were waiting for the arrival of a more ambitious game as Christmas approached.
The eighth free Christmas game from the Epic Games Store was revealed slightly early. This is The Callisto Protocol, a survival horror initially released in December 2022. The title is offered free for a very limited time, confirming the platform’s desire to make an impact on the eve of December 25.
The eighth free Epic Games Store Christmas game has been leaked
The identity of the eighth free Epic Games Store Christmas game is no longer a mystery. After several days of suspense, the platform is offering The Callisto Protocol as part of its Advent calendar. For a few weeks, the store abandoned its weekly rhythm to offer a free game every 24 hours.
This eighth gift is available from December 24 to 25, with availability from 5 p.m. Once added to the library, the game is permanently retained by the player, without subscription or additional conditions. This announcement comes as all eyes are already on the game offered on Christmas Day, traditionally one of the most important of the event.
The Callisto Protocol, the spiritual heir of Dead Space
Developed by Striking Distance Studios, The Callisto Protocol was born from the imagination of Glen Schofield, creator of the Dead Space saga. The game clearly claims this heritage with an oppressive atmosphere, a refined interface and very present graphic violence.
The player plays Jacob Lee, a cargo pilot played by Josh Duhamel, who finds himself imprisoned in Iron Black prison. This high-security penitentiary is located on Callisto, a moon of Jupiter. The story quickly changes when the inmates begin to transform into monstrous creatures, plunging the station into chaos.
The clashes are based on constant tension, alternating between ranged combat and brutal hand-to-hand combat, in tight environments where every mistake can be fatal.
A AAA horror game to pick up before December 25
Upon its release, The Callisto Protocol was divided by critics, notably due to technical problems and a balance of difficulty sometimes considered uneven. Several months of updates have since improved the overall experience.
Today, the game remains an impressive technological showcase, notably thanks to its use of the Unreal Engine. The lighting effects, the modeling of faces and the rendering of confrontations reinforce the immersion in this dark and oppressive universe.
The offer, however, remains limited in time. Players only have until December 25 at 5 p.m. to add the game to their Epic Games Store library, before a new mystery game takes its place.
Epic Games Store free Christmas game still kept secret
After The Callisto Protocol, another free game will take over from Christmas Day. Every year, this date reserves one of the most anticipated gifts of the event. In the past, players have notably been able to recover Control or Death Stranding.
For now, the identity of the free Epic Games Store Christmas game remains confidential. As with the eighth game, an early reveal cannot be ruled out. In the meantime, players can take advantage of this offer before it expires.