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Steam Next Fest

Over the Hill's Next Fest demo promises a stylized off-roading game for people who actually like to drive
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

Over the Hill’s Next Fest demo promises a stylized off-roading game for people who actually like to drive

Funselektor's game, Over the Hill, offers a contemplative off-roading experience, differing from its previous titles, Art of Rally and Absolute Drift, which focused on speed and a top-down perspective. The game features a stylized world that emphasizes exploration over speed, allowing players to strategize their routes in a tranquil environment. The demo, available during the Steam Next Fest until June 22, showcases this approach, with an option to accelerate that may lead to unexpected tumbles. A specific release date for the full game has not been announced, but it is anticipated to launch later this year.
Empulse's frantic movement and giant mechs are giving me serious Xbox 360-era FPS nostalgia
AppWizard
June 7, 2026

Empulse’s frantic movement and giant mechs are giving me serious Xbox 360-era FPS nostalgia

Empulse is a first-person shooter game developed by 1047 Games, set to launch on Steam's Early Access on June 24. The game will be available for free during Steam Next Fest, starting June 15. The gameplay features wall-running and intense gunplay, aiming to evoke nostalgia for classic Xbox 360 shooters. The trailer includes a moment where a character uses a sledgehammer against a mech, highlighting the game's playful elements.
Team Up, Rev Out in WheelMates on Sept. 7 for PC, Announced at Future Games Show
AppWizard
June 7, 2026

Team Up, Rev Out in WheelMates on Sept. 7 for PC, Announced at Future Games Show

WheelMates, developed by Firevolt, will launch on September 7, 2026, on PC via Steam. The game features a Friends Pass allowing two players to play with one copy. A demo will be available starting June 7, showcasing gameplay mechanics such as scanning objects, uncovering memory cards, and using a Journal feature. Players will navigate a maze-like laboratory as RC cars, solving environmental puzzles in various rooms. The game supports enhanced controls, including free camera control and compatibility with Steam Deck. It will be available in 14 languages and has PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions in development.
The cozy game launches of June are a really crafty bunch
AppWizard
June 2, 2026

The cozy game launches of June are a really crafty bunch

June features several cozy game launches, including: - Puni the Florist (June 8): A flower shop simulation where players craft bouquets and interact with townsfolk. - Beastro (June 11): An animal-based cooking simulation set in the village of Palo Pori, featuring cooking minigames and a cast of characters. - Witchspire (June 10): A co-op crafting game that allows players to explore a magical open world and engage in resource gathering and base building. - Papa's Mocharia Deluxe (June 2): A strategic barista simulation game. - Solarpunk (June 8): A crafting game focused on renewable energy on a floating sky island. Key events in June include: - Wholesome Direct: A showcase for cozy games on June 6. - Steam Next Fest: Running from June 15 to June 22, featuring demos of various cozy games.
Another live service game is dead just a few months after launch
AppWizard
May 20, 2026

Another live service game is dead just a few months after launch

Quantic Dream has announced the discontinuation of its multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), Spellcasters Chronicles, just three months after its launch due to insufficient audience engagement for long-term sustainability. The game peaked at 888 concurrent players at launch, which quickly declined to very few active users. The studio will halt development, likely leading to layoffs, but will continue work on Star Wars Eclipse. Players can access Spellcasters Chronicles until June 19, after which the servers will shut down, and all expenditures during early access will be eligible for refunds upon request.
XCOM spiritual successor Warhounds dumps its gen-AI portraits, and I'm breathing a sigh of relief
AppWizard
April 19, 2026

XCOM spiritual successor Warhounds dumps its gen-AI portraits, and I’m breathing a sigh of relief

Everplay is developing a turn-based strategy game called Warhounds, inspired by classics like XCOM and Jagged Alliance. The game faced criticism during its Steam Next Fest demo for using generative AI for character portraits, which were described as "shiny, unrealistic, and completely at odds with the look of the game." In response to community feedback, Everplay clarified that the AI-generated portraits were temporary placeholders and announced plans to replace them with over 100 hand-crafted designs. The new portrait system will create images directly from each character's in-game 3D model, ensuring visual consistency and accommodating custom recruits. Warhounds features an accuracy system that calculates bullets individually, eliminating random misses, and introduces meaningful consequences based on player decisions. The game is set for release in 2026, with a wishlist option available on Steam and a free demo for players.
This survival RPG with Stardew Valley-like visuals, published by Minecraft and Valheim veterans, was a Steam Next Fest hit, and it's finally releasing next month
AppWizard
April 10, 2026

This survival RPG with Stardew Valley-like visuals, published by Minecraft and Valheim veterans, was a Steam Next Fest hit, and it’s finally releasing next month

Romestead is a survival RPG townbuilder set in a fallen Rome, set to enter Steam Early Access on May 26. Developed by Beartwigs and published by Three Friends, it has over 250,000 wishlists and was the 10th most-played game during the February 2026 Steam Next Fest. The game allows cooperative play for up to eight players and focuses on reconstructing Ancient Rome. The development process included a six-month evaluation, with significant insights from the creator of Stardew Valley.
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