#gamedemos — Public Fediverse posts

Steam Next Fest (Mar 2026) - Thoughts #GameDemos #SteamNextFest

https://nerdybookahs.wordpress.com/2026/03/09/steam-next-fest-mar-2026-thoughts/

Steam Next Fest (Mar 2026) – Thoughts

First of all, I love that there are these Next Fests. They bring visibility to smaller indie developers and with the vast amount of games out there, this is always good.

For me personally, though, it seems that the excitement is mostly gone. I guess this is partly because I have so many games that I want to play (and bought already because I found them on sale). I already know that the games I bought are good ones (for me) and I even found a lot of them through Steam’s Next Fest. The last few Next Fests, though, I spent hardly any time in these demos and quickly decided “not for me” for most of them.

In the end, my curiosity won and I gave most of the demos that I downloaded a try, after all. If I remember correctly, when Steam Next Fest first started, the demos would stay only for the duration and a lot of developers disabled the demo afterwards. By now, the demo stays available for almost all of the games. So I can take my sweet time working through my list.

I already uninstalled a few that just didn’t catch my attention at all. But here is a list of the ones that I played a bit or hope to be playing at some point:

• Wild West Pioneers
• Trade Empire
• Demiurgos
• Hozy
• ShantyTown
• Outbound
• MMO 98
• Cinema Theater Tycoon
• Mattami Restaurant and Cafe Tycoon
• Steel Artery: Train City Builder
• Witchspire
• CityZen
• TownsFolk
• Urban Ascend

As I said, I haven’t tried all of them yet. I did enjoy Hozy, Demiurgos, MMO 98 and ShantyTown.

MMO 98 was a surprise. It is basically clicker game with not many options to choose from. So the “strategy” part is slim, at least in the beginning. But it was entertaining and engaging. It is on my wishlist and I will watch the development news to see how casual it is going to be. The retro charme is also probably part of the attraction. The gnome is at least as annoying as Clippy was.

Demiurgos is a God Game. It seems that this genre is on the rise again (I’m thinking about Fata Deum and The Universim). I do not like the way the humans look with that paper doll look. But when playing, for the most part, I could ignore it. The gameplay was nice, though, as I had to work really hard (that is, I had to cast a lot of spells and flex my almighty muscles) to gain followers! Another game for my wishlist from where I am going to watch its further development process.

Hozy is one of those “decorate rooms” games. The first of that kind (apart from The Sims series) that I played was The Tenants. What I liked in that game is that there was more to the game than purely decorating the rooms. I guess Hozy will be a game with no goals to reach. This is certainly nice as well, but I often find myself ignoring these games because I like working towards something. Still, it is also on my wishlist now.

And the last of those that I played and really liked is ShantyTown. This reminds me of Islanders. There are some puzzle mechanics as you need to decide where to place which items in order to upgrade certain buildings. The result is a chaotic charming little town. This one currently has the highest probability to end up in my library. It’s different enough, fun to play and nice to look at.

In the end, even though I did not have high expectations, I found some fun new games. Another successful Steam Next Fest, at least for me.

As the Current Steam Next Fest Wraps Up, the 10 Most-Played Demos Might Surprise You

https://www.eurogamer.net/the-current-steam-next-fest-is-about-halfway-through-and-the-10-most-played-demos-so-far-might-surprise-you

#gamedemos #indiegames #videogames #pcgaming #gaming #steam

"There are a zillion demos in this Steam Next Fest," Palworld Lead Says, and “I don't feel very compelled” to Check Out Any That Feature AI Art

https://www.gamesradar.com/games/there-are-a-zillion-demos-in-this-steam-next-fest-palworld-lead-says-and-i-dont-feel-very-compelled-to-check-out-any-that-feature-ai-art/

#genai #gamedev #indiedev #gamedemos #indiegames #videogames #pcgaming #gaming #steamnextfest #steam

Steam Next Fest - February 2026 - Now Through March 2, 2026

https://store.steampowered.com/sale/nextfest

#gamedemos #indiegames #videogames #pcgaming #gaming #steam

Tonight I'm running through a bunch of Indie Game demos that have been recommended by my community. Will they be any good? Will they run on linux? Find out now, live!
#indiegames #pixeltuber #gamedemos
https://twitch.tv/infinitemetal
https://kick.com/infinitemetal

Next Fest is back!

Until October 20, dive into thousands of free demos, from cozy hand-drawn survival games to spooky, mist-filled horrors.

Explore new genres, chat with devs, and find your next obsession.

There’s truly something for everyone! Stay tune for more at www.baskingamer.com

#SteamNextFest #IndieGames #GameDemos #Game #GamingCommunity #gaming #gamingtwt #gaming_news #Steam #SteamNextFest #SteamNextフェス

The Mina the Hollower demo is now on Xbox (only until September 30!) so even though I played the demo some on the Switch, I figured I'd try some of this Xbox version on the Series X at lunch, and glad I did. Nice to use a controller for it instead of Switch joycons, for one. I guess I could've put the Switch version on the TV and used the wireless PowerA controller with it. But oh well. Anyway, if you have an Xbox, you should try this game, it's a blast. The full version comes out October 31 on all consoles.

Mina the Hollower demo on Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-IN/games/store/mina-the-hollower-demo/9PKSV3L23V66

#Xbox #SeriesX #MinaTheHollower #IndieGames #IndieGaming #XboxSeriesX #XboxGames #GameDemos

The Mina the Hollower demo is now on Xbox (only until September 30!) so even though I played the demo some on the Switch, I figured I'd try some of this Xbox version on the Series X at lunch, and glad I did. Nice to use a controller for it instead of Switch joycons, for one. I guess I could've put the Switch version on the TV and used the wireless PowerA controller with it. But oh well. Anyway, if you have an Xbox, you should try this game, it's a blast. The full version comes out October 31 on all consoles.

Mina the Hollower demo on Xbox: https://www.xbox.com/en-IN/games/store/mina-the-hollower-demo/9PKSV3L23V66

#Xbox #SeriesX #MinaTheHollower #IndieGames #IndieGaming #XboxSeriesX #XboxGames #GameDemos

Day 11 of our journey to NULL Train! Inventory organization and another day of messing around (mostly). Follow along as we share from Day 11 to Early Access. Play the demo. Wishlist now: https://store.steampowered.com/app/3717840/NULL_Train/

#day11 #gamedev #gameplay #gameplayshorts #nulltrain #indiedev #indiegamedev #steamgame #devlog #gamedemos #pixelart #wishlistideas #wishlist #roguelike #madeinhawaii

Kev still putting in that indie coverage work!

Ones To Watch: Steam Next Fest June 2025 - Desk Chair Analysts

https://dcanalysts.net/ones-to-watch-steam-next-fest-june-2025/

#GameDemos #Gameplay #PC #Gaming #Steam #SteamNextFest

Ready, steady, go; we are ON-AIR! See you stream-side, fedizens.

Sickly person plays Game Demos | New !clip command!

#Owncast #videogames #VTuber #LGBTQPlus #Chatty #English #AngryDucks #GameDemos #GameDemo #Spiritfarer #SongsOfSyx #TheRiftbreaker

https://ety.cybre.stream

Ready, steady, go; we are ON-AIR! See you stream-side, fedizens.

Sickly person plays Game Demos | New !clip command!

#Owncast #videogames #VTuber #LGBTQPlus #Chatty #English #AngryDucks #GameDemos #GameDemo #Spiritfarer #SongsOfSyx #TheRiftbreaker

https://ety.cybre.stream

Ready, steady, go; we are ON-AIR! See you stream-side, fedizens.

Sickly person plays Game Demos | New !clip command!

#Owncast #videogames #VTuber #LGBTQPlus #Chatty #English #AngryDucks #GameDemos #GameDemo #Spiritfarer #SongsOfSyx #TheRiftbreaker

https://ety.cybre.stream

Ready, steady, go; we are ON-AIR! See you stream-side, fedizens.

Sickly person plays Game Demos | New !clip command!

#Owncast #videogames #VTuber #LGBTQPlus #Chatty #English #AngryDucks #GameDemos #GameDemo #Spiritfarer #SongsOfSyx #TheRiftbreaker

https://ety.cybre.stream

I am LIVE on https://twitch.tv/AlfaTrion

Playing the new demo for @benjaminrivers 's game, Neo Harbor Rescue Squad!

Come hang!

#streaming #videogames #indiegames #gamedemos

On day 2 of Blaugust, I wanted to share the Indie Playtest Fest with you! Of interest to those who love checking out demos.

https://www.thedragonchronicle.com/indie-playtest-fest/

#Blaugust #blaugust2024 #blogging #indiegames #indieplaytestfest #gamedemos #TheDragonChronicle

Kevin's Top 7 Game Demos form Steam Next Fest (June 2024) - Desk Chair Analysts

https://dcanalysts.net/kevins-top-7-game-demos-form-steam-next-fest-june-2024/

#GameDemos #PC #PCGaming #Steam #SteamNextFest #Gaming #DCA

If you, like us, were both overhyped and overwhelmed by all the #new game announcements last weekend and this week, don't worry: we had one of our writers handpick some #gamedemos for you to try, with a variety of genres and vibes.

https://blizzardwatch.com/2024/06/12/good-demos-summer-game-fest/

✨ The demo of my game #caravansandwitch is out NOW on Steam !

I've worked on it as a Technical Director, Gameplay Programmer, Tool Developer and UI Developer

Please play it and give me your feedbacks 🥹

🔗 https://store.steampowered.com/app/1582650/

#wholesome #wholesomegames #indiedev #WholesomeDirect #gamedev #gamedemos

Mutant Karate Canary is a crazy mix of Free roaming, deck building and action.
Check it out on #STEAM

The MKC demo is here! Now go wishlist
http://store.steampowered.com/app/1870800

#indiedev #gamedev #indiegames #pixelart #IndieGameDev #gamedevs #games #gamedemos
#steamdemos #steamdeck

6 "Honorable Mentions" Demos from Steam Next Fest (February 2024) - Desk Chair Analysts

https://dcanalysts.net/6-honorable-mentions-demos-from-steam-next-fest-february-2024/

#GameDemos
#PCGameplay
#PCGaming
#Steam
#SteamNextFest
#Gaming
#DCA

Slartboz

NEW VIDEO IS UP

"Pain Am Having!"
https://youtu.be/opNE1Oqlm9c?si=rEW8MzDnHlRR6Hvs

* only 7 mins
* comedy & plot
* Arky & Tank are the stars. and only they speak
* Arky as educational mentor to Abro (kinda) and Tank gives him a guided tour of his interior, also
* no intrusive voiceovers by me (in case people didnt like that in past vids, haha)

my strategy: DGAF 110% from here on out. I'm going to get my own jollies off, dagnabbit!

#gamedemos
#demovids
#demovideos
#gamevids
#gamescreencasts
#playdemos
#game

Slartboz

NEW DEMO SCREENCAST UP

"Staying Behind"
https://youtu.be/LPh5YWIMYJE

#Slartboz

#gamevids
#gamevideos
#gamedemos
#gamescreencasts
#Roguelikes

Slartboz

NEW VIDEOS UP!

All-in-One: Project Intro, UI Guide, Gigantic Grussian Goliath Mark VI Cybernetic Main Battle Tank (Think: Friendly Kaiju) vs A Massive Zombie Herd, also The Dork Fortress, and Arky the Mad AI (Quite Mad, Really)

part 1 of 2
https://youtu.be/mDokKbHyOno?si=ACFOOWBILndg874_

part 2 of 2
https://youtu.be/KPVIq39HoUM?si=_44H6c-apJmJIxZy

#gamevids
#gamevideos
#gamedemos
#screencasts
#retrogames
#indiegames
#Roguelike
#Roguelikes
#RoguelikeGame
#RoguelikeGames

Slartboz

NEW VIDEOS UP!

All-in-One: Project Intro, UI Guide, Gigantic Grussian Goliath Mark VI Cybernetic Main Battle Tank (Think: Friendly Kaiju) vs A Massive Zombie Herd, also The Dork Fortress, and Arky the Mad AI (Quite Mad, Really)

part 1 of 2
https://youtu.be/mDokKbHyOno?si=ACFOOWBILndg874_

part 2 of 2
https://youtu.be/KPVIq39HoUM?si=_44H6c-apJmJIxZy

#gamevids
#gamevideos
#gamedemos
#screencasts
#retrogames
#indiegames
#Roguelike
#Roguelikes
#RoguelikeGame
#RoguelikeGames

Slartboz

NEW VIDEOS UP!

All-in-One: Project Intro, UI Guide, Gigantic Grussian Goliath Mark VI Cybernetic Main Battle Tank (Think: Friendly Kaiju) vs A Massive Zombie Herd, also The Dork Fortress, and Arky the Mad AI (Quite Mad, Really)

part 1 of 2
https://youtu.be/mDokKbHyOno?si=ACFOOWBILndg874_

part 2 of 2
https://youtu.be/KPVIq39HoUM?si=_44H6c-apJmJIxZy

#gamevids
#gamevideos
#gamedemos
#screencasts
#retrogames
#indiegames
#Roguelike
#Roguelikes
#RoguelikeGame
#RoguelikeGames

Slartboz

NEW VIDEOS UP!

All-in-One: Project Intro, UI Guide, Gigantic Grussian Goliath Mark VI Cybernetic Main Battle Tank (Think: Friendly Kaiju) vs A Massive Zombie Herd, also The Dork Fortress, and Arky the Mad AI (Quite Mad, Really)

part 1 of 2
https://youtu.be/mDokKbHyOno?si=ACFOOWBILndg874_

part 2 of 2
https://youtu.be/KPVIq39HoUM?si=_44H6c-apJmJIxZy

#gamevids
#gamevideos
#gamedemos
#screencasts
#retrogames
#indiegames
#Roguelike
#Roguelikes
#RoguelikeGame
#RoguelikeGames

Slartboz

new video up!!!

"The Dork Fortress"

with Z-levels

early work. far more to do. a teaser. only 6 seconds long:
https://youtu.be/4Y9mGVxu694?si=Lpt6bWy-WI69F__w

GitHub
https://github.com/mkramlich/slartboz-pub

Patreon
https://patreon.com/SynystronGames/

#games
#gamevideos
#gamedemos
#gamescreencasts
#gamepreviews
#gameteasers
#indiegames
#sologamedev
#Roguelike

#scifi
#postapoc

#Slartboz

Slartboz

new video is UP!

our 4th screencast
our 5th video overall

"Tanks Shooting on The Proving Grounds"

https://youtu.be/M2WUu9CYco0?si=0NSolMI4b48GsCv6

only 1 min long!

#Slartboz

#screencasts
#demos
#gamedemos
#gamevideos
#gamevids

#Roguelike
#Roguelikes
#RoguelikeGames
#RoguelikeDev

#indiegames
#retrogames
#80sgames
#solodev

#explosions
#hearingloss
#earprotectionrecommended
#massiveOSHAviolations
#donottrythisathome
#kidsgetoffmylawn

#tanks
#armor

Slartboz

if I recorded a video today using current build of my game I'm confident people will see its pretty exciting and MUCH further along than the prior video

however, I'm fairly "traumatized" by the super-underwhelming overall reaction to that last one :-(

so I'll err more on side of "overdoing it" in this next video :-P

will grind away adding more Fun & Polish for a few more dev sessions. then maybe cut the 3rd vid by... early next week?

#Slartboz

#gamedemos
#gamevideos
#playvideos

Slartboz

I've had to spell "ouroboros" like a dozen times in the last week. because of my computer game, Slartboz. all related to one of the game's features I added and brought to life recently, across several dev sessions

folks will see it in action in our 1st demo video!

#Slartboz

#gamedemos
#demovideos