PC gamers can check out live streams and free demos of upcoming games at Steam Next Fest starting February 5. The weeklong event begins Monday at 10:00 AM Pacific/1:00 PM Eastern and runs until the same time on February 12.
Steam Next Fest runs from Monday, February 5 ot Monday, February 12
Steam Next Fest is Valve’s triannual showcase of upcoming games. It features hundreds of free demos, dozens of live streams, and opportunities for fans to have their questions answered by developers. Steam does not typically publish a list of participating games ahead of time.
However, it is mostly a platform for small and AA studios to promote their games. Featured games are also typically, but not always, released in the same year as the Steam Next Fest where they were showcased. In many cases, it happens within the following few months, though that is, of course, not a guarantee.
October 2023’s event featured games like Robocop Rogue City, Last Train Home, and Lethal Company, among many others. Past Next Fest Alumni include successful indie games like En Garde!, Shadows of Doubt, and Cult of the Lamb. While participation in Steam Next Fest is not itself a guarantee of quality, it gives PC gamers a chance to get in on the ground floor.
While there is no complete list of participating games, Publisher Paradox Interactive has confirmed Millenia will have a playable demo. Developed by C Prompt Games, the turn-based 4X title is the Cities Skylines publisher’s attempt to compete with Firaxis’ Civilization series. It would not be the first game to make that attempt or even the only one in recent memory. However, Steam Next Fest will give players a week to try it out for themselves.
