Steam Next Fest goes into full swing as dozens of demos go live. Here are five of them that you should definitely check out! 

Steam Next Fest 2023: 5 Demos That You Shouldn’t Miss!

The Steam Next Fest, a highly anticipated event for gamers and developers alike, is back with a bang in 2023! This digital extravaganza provides a unique opportunity for gamers to discover and play an extensive array of upcoming indie games. The festival serves as a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the vibrant indie gaming community.

Running from June 19 to 26, 2023, Steam Next Fest offers a week-long window for gamers to immerse themselves in the exciting world of independent game development. During this period, players can explore a wide range of titles across various genres, uncover hidden gems, and gain early access to unreleased games. 

Among the multitude of demos showcased at Steam Next Fest, these are five standout games that you definitely shouldn’t miss. These titles have garnered significant attention and promise to deliver thrilling and captivating gaming experiences. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these must-try games:

Steam Next Fest 2023: Shadow Gambit: the Cursed Crew

“Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew” is an upcoming stealth strategy game set during an alternate Golden Age of Piracy. Players assume the role of Afia, a cursed pirate, on a mission to retrieve a powerful treasure and defy the Inquisition’s soul-devouring fire. With a crew of eight unique characters, each possessing supernatural abilities, players must infiltrate fortresses, outsmart enemies, and uncover the mysteries of the Lost Caribbean. 

The game offers individual character missions to explore the backstories of each crew member and allows players to freely choose their crew for each mission, utilizing their distinct powers to devise strategies. 

Featuring a captivating time-manipulating mechanic, players can pause time, queue actions, and capture memories to reshape their approach and solve challenges in their own time. Get ready to embark on this thrilling adventure on August 18th and navigate the treacherous seas of the alternate Golden Age of Piracy.

Steam Next Fest 2023: Lies of P

Next on the list is “Lies of P,” a dark and gripping soulslike game that reimagines the beloved fairy tale of Pinocchio. In this game, players take on the role of a puppet created by Geppetto, entangled in a web of lies and facing unimaginable monsters and untrustworthy figures. Awakening to a mysterious voice, players navigate the plagued city of Krat, once lively but now consumed by madness and bloodlust.

In this elegantly cruel world, players must adapt themselves and their weapons to confront the horrors that await. The game features dynamic weapon combinations, utilizing the Legion Arms, and unlocking new abilities. Players engage in intense battles against twisted enemies and navigate treacherous terrain. As they unravel the secrets of Krat’s elites, players face choices that challenge their morality, allowing them to either confront predicaments with truth or weave lies to overcome them.

With the city of Krat soaked in the style of the Belle Epoque era, “Lies of P” presents a visually stunning and atmospheric setting. The game encourages players to carve their own path, exploring the depths of the narrative and discovering the hidden symbols and secrets within this dark and grim reimagining of Pinocchio. Prepare for a journey filled with mystery, combat, and moral dilemmas when “Lies of P” unveils its intricately crafted world. Adapt, survive, and uncover the truth behind the lies as you forge your own destiny within this haunting and twisted tale.

While the Lies of P demo has already been out for some time, it is still one of the headliners of the Steam Next Fest. Be sure to check out our hands-on impressions before the release this August. 

Steam Next Fest 2023: En Garde!

Next up is “En Garde!”, a swashbuckling adventure starring Adalia de Volador. She’s a legendary hero known for her sword-fighting skills and daring escapades. Players will engage in thrilling battles against the cruel Count Duke and his tyranny, all while showing off both satire and shenanigans. With beautifully painted locations, charismatic characters, and witty banter, the game captures the essence of the golden age of swashbuckling comedy.

In the game, players will master the art of swordplay, utilizing parries, ripostes, and lunges to fill their Panache Meter and trigger special skills. The combat is dynamic and challenging, requiring players to adapt their strategies and use cunning acrobatics to outmaneuver enemies. The environment becomes a playground for mischief, allowing players to surprise and evade foes using objects such as rolling barrels and falling chandeliers.

You can also experience the thrill of the arena mode. This is where players can unlock game-changing modifiers and face waves of enemies in randomized scenarios. The game features theatrical characters who react to the players’ actions, engaging in witty one-liners during intense duels. Uncover the captivating story of Adalia through unique challenges and epic duels set in marketplaces, dungeons, and palaces.

“En Garde!” is the result of a passionate development team, originally starting as an award-winning student project. Sharpen your sword, embrace the comedic flair, and embark on a hilarious and action-packed spectacle that combines sword-fighting satire, and memorable characters in a beautiful and vibrant world.

Steam Next Fest 2023: Wizard with a Gun

Now let’s turn our attention to “Wizard with a Gun,” the best kind of magic user in the world of Steam Next Fest. This online cooperative sandbox survival game immerses players in a magical wilderness teeming with dangerous creatures and arcane secrets. Whether you embark on the adventure alone or with a friend, you must collect resources, craft items, and customize your wizard to navigate the unknown.

In “Wizard with a Gun,” players have the opportunity to delve into magical weapon customization. Because we all know that the best magic is a gun filled with bullets. By collecting resources and crafting enchanted ammunition, players can modify their guns to alter shot effects, blast radius, bullet trails, and even the status of targeted creatures. Additionally, players can create a whimsical wardrobe for their wizards, adorning them with robes, hats, armor, and accessories that blend functionality and fashion.

Exploration is another key aspect of “Wizard with a Gun.” Players will venture into randomly generated biomes filled with diverse landscapes like deserts, swamps, tundra, and prairies. These interconnected realms float through space and time after the fracturing of the world, providing an ever-changing experience.

Cooperative adventuring is highly encouraged in “Wizard with a Gun.” Players can team up with a friend in online play, combining resources, magic, and creativity to construct and defend their towers together. Alternatively, they can opt for a more destructive approach and watch everything burn instead. The gameplay mechanics encourage experimentation with new spell combinations. Creative combinations can lead to powerful outcomes, but unchecked concoctions may result in disastrous consequences.

Steam Next Fest 2023: Waven

One of the last highlights for the Steam Next Fest is Waven. This is a captivating roleplaying game set in a flooded world where only a few islands remain. As a seafaring adventurer, you embark on a thrilling odyssey to uncover the secrets of this great upheaval. Choose your hero, wield powerful spells, and navigate through a vast and colorful world filled with mythical creatures.

Combining adventure, turn-based strategy, and deckbuilding mechanics, Waven offers a satisfying RPG experience. Engage in tactical combat against a variety of eccentric monsters, utilizing the elements, spells, and mythical companions. Upgrade your hero, defend your island from other players, and prove your valor in challenging PvP battles.

Waven can be enjoyed across different platforms, including PC, MAC, smartphones, and tablets. Essentially allowing you to continue your adventure wherever you go. Immerse yourself in an original universe with a unique graphic style, set in the “Krosmoz” world that has been developed across various media.

What’s Next, Steam Next Fest?

Whether you’re an avid gamer looking for the next big thing, a passionate supporter of indie game development, or simply interested in exploring fresh and innovative titles, Steam Next Fest is the event for you. This year’s festival looks to be quite a thrilling showcase of the boundless creativity and talent within the indie gaming community. Don’t miss out on the chance to get a sneak peek at the future of indie gaming.

The countdown has begun, and the stage is set for an incredible week of gaming exploration and discovery!

---

In other news, check out Tower of Fantasy Expands Its Horizon: Launching on PlayStation this August, and Sea of Stars Demo Out on PC during Steam Next Fest.