Next Fest Archives

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Confined: Leaving OKB-134 Is A Claustrophobia Inducing Horror Game Coming to PC VR

Confined: Leaving OKB-134 is an upcoming horror game set to launch on PC VR with flatscreen support later this year. It was first unveiled during UploadVR's 2025 Winter Showcase and showcased at the Spring 2026 VR Games Showcase. A VR-supported demo was released at February's Steam Next Fest, featuring a haunting atmosphere and meticulous sound design, though it has some technical issues. The game can be wishlisted on Steam, with a full release anticipated in 2026.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Steam Next Fest challenged me with a word game that also contained fractions

Balatro has set a precedent in the roguelike genre by transforming playing cards into an engaging gaming experience. Cursed Words is a new roguelike game that focuses on forming words from a randomized grid of letters, with players earning points based on their creations. The game includes various items that influence the letters on the board, allowing for strategic gameplay. A notable strategy involves manipulating negative Void tiles to earn points. The game introduces numbers as wildcards that can represent letters when placed correctly. An item that transforms numbers into fractions adds complexity, allowing for multiple uses of these tiles. Cursed Words promises a rich experience within a familiar framework, with a demo available ahead of its anticipated release in 2026.

AppWizard

March 3, 2026

New VR Games & Releases March 2026: Quest, PlayStation VR2 & PC VR

- Iron Guard Salvation - March 5 (PS VR2) - Peak Rhythm - March 5 (Meta Quest) - Rager - March 5 (PS VR2) - DrumBeats VR - March 6 (PS VR2) - Bootstrap Island - March 12 (PC VR) - Parkour Labs - March 12 (PS VR2, Quest) - Perikoto - March 13 (PC VR) - SkyLeap - March 15 (PC VR, Quest) - Orbital Overdrive - March 16 (PC VR) - Prison Simulator VR - March 18 (PC VR, Quest) - GunX (Lock and Load) - March 20 (PC VR) - Maid of Sker VR - March 17 (PC VR, PS VR2, Quest) - Virtual Hunter - March 25 (PS VR2, Quest) - VMX - March 26 (PC VR, Quest) - Shop & Stuff - March 27 (PSVR2) - Star Trek: Infection - March 31 (PC VR, Quest)

AppWizard

March 1, 2026

One of my favorite Next Fest demos turned out to be this speedrunner’s delight modeled after 3D Sonic games, which just added ranked multiplayer races

The Rollin' Rascal demo was recently updated during the Steam Next Fest, appealing to fans of Sonic the Hedgehog's early 3D adventures. It features a vibrant world with expansive levels, momentum-based physics, and online modes, including ranked multiplayer competitions. The races include item boxes similar to those in Mario Kart, but the online community is currently sparse. The demo has some imperfections, such as camera glitches and a lack of enemy variety, but shows promise for future development.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

In a world of serious videogames, the Valheim devs’ new co-op dungeon crawler is a reminder that having fun is okay

Begraved is a co-op game developed by Grip Jaw, featuring a blend of cozy gameplay and horror elements. Players embark on missions in dungeons, collecting treasures to sell to a character called the Taxman. The game allows for customization of a hideout, which serves as a central hub for missions and social interaction. Players can revive allies at designated points and float as ghosts to assist teammates. The game includes a selfie camera for fun interactions. The demo is currently available and may contain bugs, as it is an early version.

AppWizard

February 28, 2026

In a world of serious videogames, the Valheim devs’ new co-op dungeon crawler is a reminder that having fun is okay

Begraved is a co-op game developed by Grip Jaw, a team of former Valheim members, blending cozy and horror elements in a genre they call 'friendslop.' Players explore dungeons, collect treasures, and interact with a customizable hideout that serves as a social hub. The game features a narrative framework encouraging player progression and ownership, with mechanics allowing for team revivals and ghost assistance. The demo includes a selfie camera for capturing moments, emphasizing fun and lighthearted gameplay. The demo is available for download after Steam Next Fest, although it is an early version that may contain bugs.

AppWizard

February 26, 2026

Like moths to a flame, PC gamers and Steam users pile into the demo of a job sim about the very thing wreaking havoc on PC gaming and the Steam machine right now: data centers

Data Center Demo is gaining popularity on the Steam Next Fest charts amidst the rise of artificial intelligence and data centers, which are impacting the PC gaming landscape and causing delays for the Steam Machine. Simulation games, including Truck Simulator and Farming Simulator, have seen a significant increase in popularity, with a vast array of titles available on Steam. Data Center Demo stands out within the simulation genre, though its mechanics may be complex for some players. Additionally, a modder has created a browser extension that provides a generative AI warning for Steam games to enhance user awareness and transparency regarding AI integration.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

My new indie darling is this crafting game stuffed with hand-sculpted creatures made by a husband and wife dev team

OddFauna: Secret of the Terrabeast is a sandbox crafting game where players assume the role of an Astor, a critter living on a legged whale called a Terrabeast. Players can chop down trees to craft materials, build a cottage, cultivate a garden, and befriend various creatures. The demo lasts five in-game days, taking about 90 minutes to complete, and is set in a single biome. The game features hand-crafted assets and intuitive controls. It emphasizes environmental choices that affect the game's fauna. OddFauna is scheduled for early access in spring 2026, with a demo available during the Steam Next Fest until March 2.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Ex Sanguis is the most stylish XCOM-style roguelike I’ve ever played

Ex Sanguis is a turn-based strategy game showcased during Steam Next Fest, featuring a grid-based system similar to XCOM. Players control a team of soldiers called Stillae, utilizing Action Points (AP) and unique abilities to execute commands. The game has a narrative centered around saving a dying planet and is noted for its stylish execution and visually striking aesthetic, characterized by a blood-themed color palette. It incorporates robust gameplay mechanics, including destructible environments, roguelike elements, and RPG-style builds. Ex Sanguis is set to launch in early access soon, and players can wishlist it and explore the demo on Steam.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

‘We couldn’t even have imagined this’: Co-op pirate survival game Windrose has been wishlisted over 1 million times

Windrose, a co-op pirate survival game, has surpassed 1,000,000 wishlists on Steam, making it one of the top 20 most wishlisted games on the platform. The game is currently featured in the Steam Next Fest, where players have enjoyed the demo for over seven hours. Gameplay involves gathering resources, crafting, and exploring, including repairing shipwrecks and recruiting a crew. The developers expressed gratitude for the community's support and engagement.