Valve's big Steam Next Fest demo event is due to return soon, and the official launch and wrap-up dates have finally been officially confirmed. A relatively new event in and of itself, Next Fest has proven to be one of the most interesting novelties that Valve's come up with, giving PC gamers a chance to play a huge array of timed demos for various upcoming titles.
2022's Steam Next Fest featured indie games that may have otherwise been left out of the limelight, totally overshadowed by bigger-profile releases. Something similar is also due to happen this time, with hundreds of demos slated to make an appearance. Gamers are free to check out whichever Next Fest feature they wish, and in some cases, it may even be possible to reach out to the developers themselves.
Though the regular Steam sales aren't nearly as big of a deal as they were back in the day, Valve has successfully managed to entertain its PC gaming audiences through other means, with the Next Fest being a prime example of this taking place. Valve's latest demo game festival will run from June 19 to 26, 2023, promising a week's worth of unique gaming opportunities that are sure to leave an impression. Gamers interested in Next Fest should remember that the demos featured as part of the event won't stick around, making it worth their while to give them a shot while they can.
The obvious focus for Steam Next is indie gaming, like the upcoming Haunted Chocolatier from the Stardew Valley developer. Those who keep track of such projects are bound to have fun come June 19, but even those who prefer to stick with higher-profile productions may wish to give Next Fest a whirl. With hundreds of demos, dozens of livestreams, and a potential way to "chat with developers about their games," odds are good that everyone will be able to find something exciting to play around with.
Chances are good, too, that Valve's widely acclaimed Steam Deck will be a great platform for the Next Fest. Not only is the Deck more than powerful enough to run almost any modern indie game without breaking a sweat, but its SteamOS interface should provide an easy and polished way of interacting with this year's Next Fest, to boot, giving owners something new to be looking forward to.
There hasn't been any word yet on what games, specifically, might be making an appearance as part of the latest Steam Next, but niche titles such as the Zelda-inspired Beyond the Mountains are an obvious possibility. Whatever the case may be, odds are good that Next Fest will have something for everyone this time around.
Source: Steam