Don’t Know What to Play Today? Steam Just Released Hundreds of Free Game Demos at Next Fest

Valve has officially opened the doors to another Steam Next Fest, a digital event transforming the Steam store into a video game fair stocked with hundreds of free, pre-release demos. It’s a chance to explore the future of gaming without spending any money. This multi-day celebration allows independent studios and major publishers to provide playable demos of their upcoming releases. Beyond the free demos, the event features livestreams where game creators play their games, explain the mechanics, and interact with the community via chat. Here’s a preview of some available demos: Witchspire: Envar Games’ latest title, this magical adventure is scheduled to launch in Early Access on PC later this year. Helix: Mythmatch: From indie studio Badass Mongoose, experience this atmospheric puzzle-adventure game during the event. Helix: Mythmatch: In this town-building merge game by Team Artichoke, you play as Artemis, an aspiring goddess, in a story that critiques capitalism. Your demo progress will transfer to the full game upon its launch on PC via Steam on March 13. Descent N Ascent: Try out this demo during February’s Steam Next Fest before the game releases on PC (via Steam) and Nintendo Switch in Q2 2026.

The Eternal Life of Goldman: Weappy Studio, published by THQ Nordic, presents this hand-drawn 2D platform adventure. The demo covers the game’s opening section, offering approximately 90 minutes of gameplay, though total playtime may vary. Play it during Steam Next Fest; it will remain available for a short time afterward before being removed. The Eternal Life of Goldman is coming to Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. With so many options, navigating Next Fest can be a challenge. Here’s how to get the most out of the event: Filter by genre: Use the tabs at the top of the homepage to pinpoint specific genres, from RPGs to shooters, strategy games, or cozy titles. Explore popular demos: Jump to the “Most Popular Demos” and “Most Wanted (Wishlisted)” sections to see the games generating the biggest buzz. For instance, Swan Song, a relaxing puzzle game by Belgian indie studio Business Goose Studios. Set inside a mystical music box, you’ll place notes on a scale to create melodies, guiding a swan home. It features cozy low-poly graphics and a calming soundtrack by award-winning composer Jamal Green, and is slated for PC release in Q2 2026.

Discover Hidden Gems at Steam Next Fest – Boost Your Wishlist, Enhance Visibility!

Valve and participating studios aim to showcase hidden gems. If a demo catches your eye, add it to your Wishlist; it increases the game’s visibility in the Steam store algorithm when it releases. Head to the store, explore the new releases, and be sure to check out Steam Next Fest, February 23 – March 2!

In Case You Missed It

In our previous post, we caught up with Globo’s Big Brother 26 happenings, but if you thought things were intense there, hold onto your hats because Sophie Laurent’s latest piece from earlier this week is sure to set your screens ablaze! In “Alberto Cowboy Provokes Ana Paula Renault,” Sophie takes us into the kitchen of the Big Brother house where a heated argument between Cowboy and Ana Paula leaves neither contestant unscathed. As they clash over Milena’s nomination, Ana Paula’s composure crumbles quicker than cake crumbs. Join in on the drama here Alberto Cowboy Provokes Ana Paula Renault on BBB 26 of Globo, Leading to Her Loss of Composure. But if reality TV drama isn’t quite your cup of tea, fear not! We’ve got something chillingly exciting for you too. Set your calendars for February 23rd to explore the depths of madness yourself in the public demo of Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss. Jonathan Dubinski’s latest article reveals the game’s intricate investigation mechanics set within an abandoned underwater mining station, all teased in a new trailer released just this past February 20th. Prepare to face the cosmic abyss here Cthulhu: The Cosmic Abyss Puts Investigation at the Heart of its Gameplay in This New Trailer. And lastly, in an exciting turn of gaming news, Marcus Thompson brings us a deep dive into “Ex-Blizzard Team Unveils Darkhaven, New Diablo-Style ARPG” (2026-01-29). Moon Beast Productions, filled with ex-Diablo developers, has revealed their debut project: Darkhaven. Expect ancient ruins, monstrous forces, dynamic environments, skill-based combat, and a loot system that truly matters! Check out Marcus’ article for all the juicy details here Ex-Blizzard Team Unveils Darkhaven, New Diablo-Style ARPG.