Steam Next Festsare among the largest events on Valve’s platform, offering hundreds of video game demos to try out throughout the week. While the availability of each demo, whether permanent or temporary, varies by developer, players can take advantage ofSteam Next Festto sample games for a few days to see if a title suits their taste. The most appealing aspect is that participating in playtests and demos is completely free.
As a spotlight for upcoming indie projects, gamers should check their personalized Discovery Queue for recommendations from now until October 21 at 10 AM PST. The lists refresh daily with new suggestions, which are perfect for those hoping to fill up their wishlists, and there are quite a few demos fromSteam Next Fest October 2024that players definitely shouldn’t miss.
Coming soon
First-Person Tactical Shooter
Team Jade
Delta Force, also referred to asDelta Force: Hawk Ops,is the newest entryin theDelta Forcefranchise. Strikingly, this free-to-play first-person tactical shooter first launched in 1998 and now returns with over 25 years of experience behind it. The upcoming game will feature three distinct modes: large-scale PvP warfare, extraction shooter action, and the Black Hawk Down campaign. For nostalgic fans of classic mechanics within the olderCall of DutyorBattlefieldtitles, this is a must-try.
Horror, Action
Stately Snail
For horror game enthusiasts andfans of 2021’sInscryption,Is This Game Trying to Kill Me?is a unique experience that offers a game within a game. Featuring 1980s-style graphics, players begin the demo by being prompted to sit down at a computer after finding themselves in an abandoned cabin deep within a dense forest. Events in the game are woven into the “real life” experience of the player in the shack, cleverly blending a first-person perspective, escape room mechanics, and retro dungeon crawler elements.
Simulation, Casual
Tomatoast
While there are many noteworthy shop-keeping simulation games in October’s Steam Next Fest, such asTrash GoblinandFast Food Simulator,Call of Bobastands out for its cozy pixel-style graphics and charming penguin protagonist named Boba. For fans ofgames likeStardew Valley,Ooblets,andMinami Lane, assisting Boba in brewing tea during the day and battling dream enemies at night offers a delightful mix of casual gameplay and combat elements. Furthermore, with an emphasis on boba tea and order fulfillment,Call of Bobaseems like a match made in heaven for fans of cute store management titles.
To be announced
Third-Person Tactical Shooter
iDreamSky
Strinovaseeks to fill the niche for anime enthusiasts who also enjoy hero-shooters. With gameplay features reminiscent ofValorantorCounter-Strike, this third-person tactical shooter sets itself apart by allowing players to switch between three-dimensional and two-dimensional forms, similar to the style ofPaper Mario. While somecontroversy surroundsStrinova’s map designsfor being potentially too similar to other games, it’s clear the upcoming title will challenge players' aim and introduce exciting movement mechanics that add a fresh and competitive twist to the genre.
Farming, Life Sim
Akrew
Galactic Getawayis an adorable life simulation with visuals as charming as its name suggests. Set on an uncharted planet that feels likeAnimal Crossingin outer space, there’s plenty to do, from taming creatures to farming plants. Customizing one’s appearance is also a fun feature, as clothing and accessories don’t need to be purchased but are readily available in a player’s inventory. Notably, the game truly sets itself apart for its co-op mode, where the party games bring to mind the fun and chaos ofMario Partymini-games.
Action RPG
Perfect Random
Since its announcement, this roguelike dungeon shooter has been making waves in the gaming community.Sulfurhas earned praise for its demo, especially for its replayability. What truly setsSulfurapart, however, is its smooth fusion of FPS mechanics with RPG elements, offering a unique experience as players simultaneously explore what seems like endless weapon modifications. As they set out to make critical decisions, outsmart enemies, and uncover hidden treasures, the only potential drawback is the absence of multiplayer, which remains a stretch goal on the development roadmap.
Honorable mentions include, but aren’t limited to:Cursed Broom, Luma Island, Mini Royale,andThe Jackbox Survey Scramble.
