Steam Next Fest is upon us once again. Valve-owned digital video game distributor Steam hosts its demo-loaded event seasonally, and with its Spring 2025 iteration under our belts already, we’re highlighting some of Summer 2025’s most alluring demos.
Steam’s demo shindig officially kicked off today at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET, but fear not — these digestible playables are available until June 16. Dust off that wishlist and dilly-dally your way through some seriously impressive downloads. Get started with some of our top picks:
Consume Me
Genre: Life sim; Turn-based strategy
Release Date: September 25, 2025
Head back to high school as Jenny in the charming and visually stunning Consume Me, and rest assured that aaaaaaaaaaaall the angst and annoyances are coming back, too.
High school was a confusing, weird time for most folks, and it’s only fitting that the quirky gameplay centers around both the dramatic and mundane. Do chores for chump change, navigate pubescent body changes, and, as we’ve come to expect of young adults, masterfully prepare for the rest of your natural life.
Away From Home
Genre: Rhythm; RPG
Release Date: October 22, 2025
Bro-sis pair Abby and Michael let their curiosity get the best of them. Explore strange places, forge relationships, and make decisions that stick in this rhythmic choose-your-own-adventure game.
Embark on a bite-sized version of this multi-genre pixel epic before the full title drops in late October!
Yooka-Replaylee
Genre: 3D Platformer; Casual
Release Date: 2025
Restart your search for Pagies with Yooka-Replaylee, an enhanced version of Yooka-Laylee (2017), a cult 3D platformer from the creatives behind 90s hit games Banjo-Kazooie and Donkey Kong Country.
This time around, however, Yooka and Laylee are bringing new challenges, gameplay mechanics, Easter eggs, in-game navigation, and improved accessibility options.
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Hell is Us
Genre: Action; Open world
Release Date: September 4, 2025
Despite being in the throes of a civil war, supernatural entities have started appearing on Earth. These tough guys can take a hit, too. No modern weaponry can slow the invasion.
You’ve got no map and no clue; only your drone and antiquated sword can navigate you through incomprehensible horrors — some manmade, some not. Just stay alive.
git gud
Genre: Puzzle; Education
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Despite appearances, there’s no code experience necessary! You will learn a thing or two, though, rest assured.
In command-line puzzler git gud, you’re gonna do exactly that: Beef up your Git skills in a 100-stage text-based gauntlet. Start with the fundamentals, improve over time, and work your way to the final stage. Whether honing existing skills or starting from scratch, git gud‘s gonna help.
UNBEATABLE
Genre: Rhythm; Anime
Release Date: 2025.
In a game I can only call “anime Footloose,” join spunky protagonist Beat and her cool band in a rhythmic adventure set where music is forbidden. In true arcade-y style, UNBEATABLE relies on simplistic controls and expert timing; despite only being able to use UP or DOWN controls, this one’s a toughie.
UNBEATABLE has no concrete release date yet, so get your fill of the demo while you can!
OFF
Genre: JRPG; Pixel
Release Date: August 15, 2025.
OFF is a nearly 20-year-old RPG that achieved cult status following an English translation in the early aughts. Thanks to geeky merchandise brand and games publisher Fangamer, the Batter is BACK, baby!
Who’s the Batter, you ask? Why, it’s you! Lead your humanoid entity through puzzling, atmospheric environments and offbeat battles that lean on some seriously unorthodox elements.
No, I’m not a Human
Genre: Horror
Release Date: TBA
In No, I’m not a Human, stand strong against paranoia and protect your pad during the End Times. Mysterious and sinister Visitors have arrived, and now, humanity must be wary of every knock, every scream, every plead for help.
They look like us. Sound like us, too. But can they be trusted? Keep your eyes peeled, your door locked, and your mind right.
Dispatch
Genre: Action; Comedy
Release Date: 2025.
Dispatch is a star-studded workplace comedy about superhero Mecha Man — or, rather, Robert Robertson — and his role switch from superhero to emergency dispatcher.
The protagonist, played by Breaking Bad‘s Aaron Paul, must endure a banal desk job while navigating relationships, rehabilitating ex-supervillains, and rebuilding his suit (and ultimately, his reputation).
Date Everything!
Genre: Dating sim; Casual
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Date Everything! is a quirky sandbox dating simulator jam-packed with recognizable voices and adorable (inanimate) dateables. After receiving a package from a mysterious stranger, you get the ability to “awaken” — and romantically pursue — nearly every object in your home.
Unwind and rub elbows with all 100 fully voiced and beautifully animated dateables throughout your house.
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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.
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