On Monday, October 13, online game storefront Steam launched its final Next Fest celebration of the year. The special gaming event is held three times annually, spotlighting free playable demos from up-and-coming developers. Through Steam Next Fest, game devs can connect with Steam users and hear firsthand player feedback. The Valve-owned digital games storefront held two other Next Fest events in 2025 — one in February and another in June. The event also boosts fan interest via increased Wishlist activity.
Steam Next Fest will run for a full week, from Monday, October 13, to Monday, October 20. For seven days, players can download complimentary demos, submit personalized feedback, communicate directly with their favorite dev teams, and bulk up their Wishlists. Thankfully, players aren’t limited to a specific number of demo downloads; gamers can hop into as many free demos as they can handle. Naturally, the full games will likely have a price tag attached when they ship, so keep that in mind.
Steam Next Fest isn’t a traditional “sale,” so to speak. Unlike promos like the platform’s beloved Summer Sale, Steam Next Fest primarily serves as a development and networking tool, but one that benefits players as well as those in the industry. Since small and independent teams typically lack the bloated budgets of AAA studios, they often depend on word of mouth, social media engagement, and Steam Wishlist adds to promote their projects.
Steam Next Fest also incorporates studio livestreams into its offerings. Amid the festivities, players can explore participating studios’ streams. The players (devs, in this case) can address players’ comments and questions in real time. Streams also allow potential fans to get a good look at gameplay before diving into a demo.
The ongoing Next Fest is the year’s last, so relish it. If you’re a fan of underdog studios and hope to get up close and personal with your favorite indie devs’ upcoming works, now’s the time. Check out Steam Next Fest October 2025 and wishlist your most anticipated launches today.
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