Chooooo Choooooo! The Steam Next Fest 2025 has left the station but has brought us an incredible array of new demos to check out and keep an eye on for their full release in the coming months
Steam Next Fest ran for a week between February 24th and March 3rd and it gave us all an opportunity to check out the demos of the next upcoming games for release. It definitely did not disappoint! With so many demos available this year, no matter what genre you gravitate toward, there was something for everyone. If you dared to explore outside the norm of what you usually play then there was even MORE, a complete smorgasbord which left us drooling as to what to play first!
I wasn't scrolling for long before I started adding demos to my download queue and before I even realized it I had at least 30 waiting to be launched! I call myself a variety gamer I enjoy a little of this and a little of that so the world was my oyster, nothing was going to stop me trying out a new library of game demos which are absolutely FREE!
I wanted to put together a small list of the demos that stood out to me in different ways and share them with you, maybe you played the ones mentioned and enjoyed them as much as I did or maybe you didn't get the chance to sift through the extensive list of games available and I can help you out by bringing them to you.
If you tried out a game that's not mentioned and you think I'm missing out big time you can always leave me a comment below and I will be sure to check them out!
Note: My apologies for posting this so late after the fest ended, my internet decided to up and die on me for a few days, making writing and editing near impossible. Silver lining though was I had already downloaded a plethora of demos to try out in advance of the disaster, so this is your chance to download ALL the demos for such days should it happen to YOU!
Is This Seat Taken?
Is This Seat Taken? is a clever and lighthearted puzzle game where you are challenged to seat characters strategically in a number of social settings like a bus or wedding venue. Each character has specific likes and dislikes - some want to sit near friends, some prefer to sit alone or sleep, other just want to dance their socks off in the front row of concerts or simply avoid anyone that's stinky! The game’s charming art style, relaxing music and increasingly complicated seating arrangements make for a fun yet brain-teasing experience.
Is This Seat Taken? is an enjoyable choice for players who love casual strategy games with a playful twist.
Developer and Publisher: Poti Poti Studio / Wholesome Games Presents
Release Date: TBA
- Controller Support
Grandma, No!
Welcome to Grandma No! a game featuring a sweet, shuffling, slipper squeaking granny who is seemingly a hazard to herself and others. From watering the electrical sockets to sorting dynamite from the abundant mail she receives, this game is tons of fun with quirky achievements to unlock. Who knew that day to day mundane tasks could be so chaotic? This wacky and whimsical game makes everyday tasks a challenge especially since your actions don't always go as planned and grandma might need to take a quick little powernap in the middle of putting out some fires.
Grandma No is sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys a good challenge with a side of laughs.
Developer and Publisher: WALLRIDE / Super Rare Originals
Release Date: TBA
- Controller Support
Twisted Tower
Twisted Tower for me is if you imagined Bioshock and Tim Burton joined forces! It is an atmospheric and immersive puzzle-platformer with an eerie setting and inventive mechanics. The game’s dark, gothic art style sets a haunting tone, while its challenging gameplay keeps you on edge. The dynamic environment adds a layer of unpredictability, as each floor brings new obstacles and surprises. Although it can be quite challenging at times, Twisted Tower is a must-play for those who love eerie, challenging adventures!
The demo, released on February 12, 2025 and has received very positive feedback from players, with 90% of the 972 user reviews being positive.
Developer and Publisher: Atmos Games LLC / 3D Realms
Release Date: TBA
- Controller Support
Brew
Brew is a roguelike deck-builder, that blends strategic card play, potion brewing, and turn-based combat. Players craft powerful potions and choose different cards and abilities to survive the dangers of its eerie, yet whimsical environment. The games charming art style and soothing atmosphere create a fun, relaxing experience, even as the difficulty increases. (You’ll also come across plenty of crates and vases throughout the levels, which you can smash for satisfying little rewards along the way!) With its stunning visuals, calming soundtrack, and addictive gameplay, Brew is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet strategic game to unwind with.
Developer and Publisher: Snowleaf Studios
Release Date: TBA
- Controller Support
Order 13
The demo of Order 13 delivers a unique blend of warehouse management and survival horror. This solo game sees the player take on the role of an order fulfillment worker at The Jolly Box Company which is anything but Jolly as you soon come to realize. Eerie sounds mixed in the darkness of the warehouse start to have you concerned that you are not alone! You would rather stay back in your room playing with your feline companion but you persevere so you can afford treats for your anxious little kitty, adding more layers to the challenging shift ahead to keep kitty happy. This work-life balance laced with creeping dread creates an engaging and suspenseful experience, making Order 13 stand out as a fresh take on the horror genre.
Developer and Publisher: Cybernetic Walrus/ Oro Interactive, Drillhounds
Release Date: 10th March 2025
Introductory Price: €7.91 (until March 24th)
Price: €8.79
BaoBao's Cozy Laundromat
BaoBao's Cozy Laundromat is a sweet, heartwarming, and relaxing time-management game that blends casual gameplay with cozy charm. The games soft color palette, subtle animations, and cheerful soundtrack create a soothing atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a stress-free experience.
This game works wonderfully as a passive experience - you can leave it running with minimal interference, only stepping in to upgrade machines or decorate your laundromat to match your personal style. As time progresses, new machines and decorative items, like potted plants and laundry baskets, become available. Players must find efficient ways to optimize their business, earning money to unlock exciting additions, such as a kitty companion or a co-worker to help with the workload.
BaoBao strikes a fun balance between efficiency and organization, making it both relaxing and rewarding. With its charming premise and simple yet addictive gameplay, BaoBao's Cozy Laundromat is a perfect choice for casual gamers, simulation fans, or anyone who enjoys having a low-maintenance game running while working on other projects.
Developer and Publisher: Destroyer Doggo
Release Date: 6th March 2025
Price: €3.99
Animal Spa
Animal Spa is one of the first games I have encountered where it can be left to passively run on a portion of your screen freeing up the desktop for you to simultaneously get some 'work' done . It enables you to glance at your spa to ensure everything is running smoothly but also has a calming effect when you need to take a break from doing homework or writing reviews or researching your genealogy etc. It is a soothing and entertaining time-management game that lets players run a relaxing spa for cute little critters. It features a colorful and cute art style, with each animal having its own likes and dislikes, helping you to cater to their wants and needs. The gameplay itself is simple yet engaging, you can make so many decorative choices in game such as the wallpaper, the floor, the tub style, the temperature each tub is set to, the vending machine placement (You might be surprised at how satisfying that alone can be).
If you are looking to have a relaxing day at the spa alongside a huge variety of cute animals with the ability for you to continue working on your screen as it borders your page it really is a great choice. Jump into the tub, unwind, de-stress and mellow into this lighthearted and relaxing game.
Developer and Publisher: Moonlab Studio / Sinkhole Studios
Release Date: TBA
Pizza Boy
When it comes to pizza delivery we all know that one of the most important things is . . . timing! The same applies in the game Pizza Boy and the mechanics that are reminiscent of the game Celeste where you need to time your jumps in order to ricochet to your destination. You are fashionably late to work and set out to deliver some peculiarly topped pizzas to some monster customers although the delivery route isn't so smooth. It's fun and fast paced but you are on a mission and you aim to deliver.
It took me awhile to get used to the mechanics and timing my jump points was a hurdle (I wasn't very good at celeste for that reason) but I kept trying and I felt a great sense of achievement when I eventually mastered the move. If you're a fan of retro platformers and enjoy short, casual indie games, Pizza Boy is a cool little title worth picking up. It's full of pixelated style and fun, let's just hope the customers leave a tip for your efforts :)
Developer and Publisher: Breadless
Release Date: TBA
- Controller Support
Human Fast Food
I find something very relaxing about playing as a food vendor and figuring out ways to optimize my time for maximum efficiency and delivery. Human fast food takes it a little further into the dark humor realm of service, it's a quirky simulation game where you serve up humans as the dish of the day. Offering up a whole new meaning to finger food!
You learn the ropes pretty quickly to order in the fresh ingredients, prepare them by hand, organize, cook and serve to your unusual customers. With its over-the-top premise, playful graphics, and wacky scenarios, Human Fast Food offers a bizarre yet fun experience that stands out from typical simulation games. Bone Appétit!
Developer and Publisher: Bricchi Games
Release Date: TBA
- Partial Controller Support
Bramble Royale
If "Adventure Time" and a roguelike deck builder had a chaotic, card-slinging baby, Bramble Royale would be it. This game throws you into a colorful world where you draft a trio of quirky heroes, stack ridiculous upgrades on your cards, and battle for the audience’s love.
The art? Delightfully goofy. The strategy? Deeper than you'd expect. The controls are smooth unless you're using a controller, which can make targeting feel like wrangling a hyperactive squirrel (at least for me). If you enjoy a little strategy, humor, and a colorful world, this game might just be your new favorite!
Developer and Publisher: Slothwerks
Release Date: 26th March 2025
- Controller Support
Now, go forth and dive into these demos!
Whether you're strategizing, exploring, or just having fun, each one offers something unique. Leave a comment to tell me which demo you ended up choo choo choooosing!
Let the adventure begin!
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