Steam Next Fest: 12 Upcoming Indie Games We Can’t Wait For

Get ready, gamers! Steam Next Fest has officially begun. The online video game distributor’s Next Fest spotlights small studios’ upcoming game releases, allowing gamers to discover new developers and show some love. Users can scroll through countless upcoming titles across all genres, download demos, tune into live streams, speak with developers, and connect with other like-minded gamers. Steam users can Wishlist their faves and receive notifications when these exciting new games go live.

The event runs from Monday, February 24, at 10 a.m. PST to the following Monday, March 3, at 10 a.m. PST. Clean up that disk drive and cancel some appointments because you won’t be able to turn down — or away from — these 10 upcoming titles.

Tall Trails

Image Credit: Brady Soglin, Steam.

Genre(s): Adventure

Developer/Publisher: Brady Soglin

Release Date: 2025

“A chill exploration game with super satisfying movement! You play as Alp, an indestructible little golem on a quest to find his purpose. Blast yourself into the air with your rocket boot as you explore a weird and wonderful world!”

Metrophobia

Image Credit: Fang’s Run, Steam.

Genre(s): Horror, Puzzle

Developer/Publisher: Fang’s Lab

Release Date: TBD

“Trapped in an abandoned metro, you must escape an ever-repeating station filled with anomalies and lurking horrors. Face over 100 unique disturbances and terrifying beings as you struggle to break free.”

Into the Void

Image Credit: PlayerStudio1, PLEASURE GARDEN, Steam.

Genre(s): Boomer Shooter, Noir

Developer: PlayerStudio1

Publisher: PLEASURE GARDEN

Release Date: TBD

“Into The Void is an action packed high-speed retro shooter that follows the story of John Void, a man returned from the dead with no memories. Will you uncover the secrets of his life? Or will you simply do as you’re told?”

Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.

qualia

Image Credit: CMY2K, Steam.

Genre(s): Choose Your Own Adventure

Developer/Publisher: CMY2K

Release Date: TBD

“Intellica thanks you for volunteering in this short text-based Research Study. Pay attention to the participants answers, and classify them as either Human or Artificial. Join us in shaping the future of technology. Remember, think happy!”

Jitter

Image Credit: Berko Games, Steam.

Genre(s): Sci-fi, Open World, Pixel Graphics

Developer/Publisher: Berko Games

Release Date: 2025

“A sci-fi exploration & survival game where you take on the role of a spaceship’s AI. Explore, fight, and survive across a mining colony in the Main Asteroid Belt. Rebuild your ship. Rescue your crew. Reveal the truth behind your mission.”

despelote

Image Credit: Julián Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena, Panic, Steam.

Genre(s): Sandbox, Soccer

Developer: Julián Cordero, Sebastian Valbuena

Publisher: Panic

Release Date: 2025

“A slice-of-life adventure about childhood and the magical grip soccer held over the people of Quito, Ecuador in 2001.”

Regrets

Image Credit:
T.E.R. Yarally, Steam.

Genre(s): Visual Novel, Psychological

Developer/Publisher: T.E.R. Yarally

Release Date: TBD

“Do you ever feel like life is slipping away, with too many dreams left unfulfilled? Like you’re trapped in wanting to do so much, but never quite getting to any of it? Doesn’t that thought scare you—looking back on a life that accomplished nothing, fading without leaving a mark? It scares me too.”

RunOut – Hothead Paws

Image Credit: WakaStudio, Steam.

Genre(s): Party, Multiplayer

Developer/Publisher: WakaStudio

Release Date: TBD

“‘RunOut’ is an online party platformer game for 2 to 6 players! Pick a cute animal character, race through unpredictable obstacle courses, collect coins, and be the first to grab the stuffed bear. Prepare for a fun, fast-paced mix of running, fighting, and partying!”

Animal Spa

Image Credit: Sinkhole Studio, Moonlab Studio, Steam.

Genre(s): Cute, Casual, Sim

Developer: Sinkhole Studio, Moonlab Studio

Publisher: Sinkhole Studio

Release Date: 2025

“Run a bathhouse visited by animals! Animal Spa is a relaxing simulation game that you can enjoy while doing other tasks, as it sits at the bottom of your screen. Place baths with different temperatures and rest areas to help a variety of animal friends unwind.”

So To Speak

Image Credit: Erik Andersen, Steam.

Genre(s): Education, Puzzle

Developer/Publisher: Erik Andersen

Release Date: March 31, 2025

“Can you learn Japanese by solving puzzles? So to Speak is a game about wandering in Japan, looking at signs, overhearing conversations, and using context clues in the environment to figure out what it all means. No background in Japanese is assumed.”

Tailside: Cozy Cafe Sim

Image Credit: Coffee Beans Dev, Steam.

Genre(s): Relaxing, Simulation

Developer/Publisher: Coffee Beans Dev

Release Date: 2025

“A charming RPG where you’ll discover the joys of running your own cozy cafe. From brewing the perfect cup of coffee to making friends with the locals, experience a blend of relaxation and adventure during your own coffee break.”

Angry Video Game Nerd 8-Bit

Image Credit: Mega Cat Studios, Programancer, Retroware, Steam.

Genre(s): Platformer, Action

Developer: Mega Cat Studios, Programancer

Publisher: Retroware

Release Date: TBD

“The Angry Video Game Nerd is back in 8-bits! Battle through frantic platforming levels, defeat classic AVGN bosses, and save all of gaming from a corrupted monstrosity.”

Innovative gameplay, striking art design, free-to-play demos — need I say more? Head to Steam to get started.

Follow us on MSN for more of the content you love.

Read More:

+ posts

A lifelong gamer raised on classic titles like Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Croc, Stephanie brings her expertise of gaming and pop culture to deliver unique, refreshing views on the world of video games, complete with references to absurd and obscure media.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Currently Playing:

Avowed

Currently Playing:

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Currently Playing:

Baldur’s Gate 3 (Again) & Love, Ghostie

Currently Playing:

Dream Daddy

Currently Playing:

Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii