Big-budget blockbusters aren’t the only bangers on Steam’s new and upcoming release lists! Right now, a TON of unmissable new indies are featured as part of Game Devs of Color Expo 2026, and players can “[d]iscover hundreds of games, demos, discounts, and more from across the GDoC community and beyond.”
This third-party event kicked off on Friday, September 25, with the GDoCExpo Direct, which featured more than 60 games from developers of color, along with studio announcements, demos, playtest launches, and more. Game Devs of Color Expo festivities on Steam run through October 2.
Studios and creators featured in this year’s Game Devs of Color Expo are bringing heat and heart to Steam’s charts, and fans of all genres have fun, affordable indie game releases to discover, wishlist, follow, and demo — downloads that won’t bloat your gaming budget.
My Steam release calendar is full to bursting, but that’s not stopping me from bookmarking other eye-catching games from the event! Take a look at some of our most-anticipated indie games featured as part of Game Devs of Color Expo 2026 on Steam, and check out the seventh-annual Game Devs of Color Expo Direct by heading to the organization’s YouTube channel now to watch the full 45-minute showcase.
The Spirit Lift
The Spirit Lift, released this past January, is a suspenseful retro roguelike deckbuilder that follows eight nosy grade-school graduates as they ditch their grad party to explore the building’s dark, deep halls — ’til they find the Spirit Lift, that is.
This eerie, supernatural elevator sends players on an adventure spanning 13 floors, each with spooky enemies, diabolical deck battles, and surprise events throughout. Hey, that’s what you get for bailing on the party!
The Spirit Lift is available now on Steam for $19.99; a free demo is up for grabs, too, if you like to try before you buy! Some users may qualify for bundle discounts if they’ve already got similar roguelike deckbuilders in their library.
Birdwatching Notebook
Cozy up with Birdwatching Notebook, an avian idle game that brings birdies to your desktop. Start ruffling feathers by placing your new postcard in the corner of your screen and decorating your visitors’ ideal environment. Drag scenery, try new layouts, share and save designs. Pop your postcard into your preferred corner and be patient! Birds will come and go; those unsatisfied by your scene will bail, but birds you’ve pleased and appeased may stick around.
Since launching on Steam in late May, Birdwatching Notebook has garnered more than 1,600 reviews and currently holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” player score average.
Birdwatching Notebook is out now on Steam; download the demo for free or pick up the full game for $9.99.
Port of Jumanah
Action-roguelike Port of Jumanah is a hidden gem — er, pearl?
In Port of Jumanah, players dive right into an exciting ocean voyage where they’ll dive for pearls, battle powerful sea creatures, build useful gear, recruit new crew members, engage in worthwhile conversations, and wander where you probably shouldn’t. Gotta touch everything, y’know.
“Complete missions to upgrade your kit to complete even more missions, reads the game’s Steam description. “That’s called a gameplay loop, baby!”
Buy Port of Jumanah on Steam now for $11.99 or download the free demo now.
KAZ
RUN DIE REPEAT RUN DIE REPEAT RUN DIE REPEAT in KAZ, a dopamine-dispensing action-arcade game from developer Kalinarm and publisher Hakuro.
The game is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. KAZ uses only four buttons, but offers infinite progression, wild weapons, cataclysmic combos, and hypnotizing psychedelic-inspired visuals that don’t end ’til you say you’ve had enough. Compete on leaderboards (and against yourself) to earn the highest score and, of course, relish another job well done.
KAZ retails on Steam for $6.99, but you can pick up this fast-paced indie for $5.59 with a promo that runs through the end of September.
High Times
In the dating-slash-business sim High Times, you work at The Hotbox, a popular and quirky donut shop that sells infused treats. Each snack contains mood-changing ingredients that can influence customer emotions. As the snack-slinger, you must serve strategically to best cater to your customers.
“Ummmyeah lemme get a uhhhhhh…” Sigh. Much like real life, buyers have no clue what they want, so use their overall vibe to best accommodate them.
Reconnect with old flings, cook up and customize donuts, learn new recipes, redecorate your storefront, and rake in the tips.
Hungry yet? Download High Times on Steam now for $19.99, or dabble in dough with the game’s free demo.
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