Steam Next Fest - Softonic English

The first Next Fest of 2026 arrives with demos of some of the strongest candidates for GOTY

If there is a moment to play demos, it is during the Next Fest. And especially in this particular Next Fest. Many of the most anticipated titles of 2026 have released a demo, but also other titles that we didn’t know about and have left us intrigued. That’s why we are going to make a selection of the games that you cannot and should not miss. Because the Next Fest is always interesting, but this first edition of the year is being especially spectacular. Denshattack! Excellent video games are made in Spain. The latest example of this is Denshattack!, a skate-style game. where […]

If there is a time to play demos, it is during the Next Fest. And especially in this particular Next Fest. Many of the most anticipated titles of 2026 have released a demo, but there are also other titles that we didn’t know about and have left us intrigued. That’s why we are going to make a selection of the games that you cannot and should not miss. Because the Next Fest is always interesting, but this first edition of the year is being especially spectacular.

Denshattack!

In Spain, excellent video games are made. The latest example of this is Denshattack!, a skate-style game where instead of doing tricks with our scooter, we have to do them with a train while trying to win insane races in a post-apocalyptic future. Aesthetically impeccable, easy to play but hard to master, it is the kind of game that is easy to get obsessed with. Whether it’s for its fascinating world building, the excellence of its artistic design, the complexity of its combo system, or how well everything combines together. Because yes: good games are made in Spain.

Titanium Court

Connect 3 games are always fun. They are simple puzzle games that can be as complex or as easy as you want to make them. If you also add resource management, they can be really interesting. But if you also add references to Shakespeare, hilarious humor, a beautiful neon pixel art aesthetic, and surreal worldbuilding, you have a strong candidate for game of the year if you like thinking games. Because its name is Titanium Court, it claims to be a game for clowns and criminals, and if we haven’t sold you on it yet, what more do you need?

Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard from Vampire Survivors

If you like Vampire Survivors, you’re not alone: there are many people out there who also enjoy it. There are plenty of reasons. The creators applied everything they know about slot machine design to a game that is as addictive as it can be and then a little more. Many have tried to imitate it, but none have succeeded. Now they have created their second game, in the same universe, and it is a deckbuilder. A card game. Sounds complex? Don’t worry: it isn’t. It rewards you for scaling numbers, there are still constant stimuli, and the runs are quick and frantic. It feels like Vampire Survivors, but in a different format. Because if anyone can replicate the success of the formula, it’s poncle.

Dungeons of DUSK

Vampire Crawlers is simple, accessible, but Dungeons of DUSK doesn’t mess around: it wants you to get involved, grit your teeth, and suffer. If you want. You can take it easy too. But this is an old-school dungeon crawler. Things only move when you move, and exploring and knowing when to move or when to pass a turn is important. Unless you have scythes and shotguns to fight. A spinoff of Dusk, one of the most popular boomer shooters in recent years, it is a delicious dungeon crawler, as frantic as it is intense.

The Last Salvage Squad

Do you know the classic science fiction movies from the 50s with cardboard sets and giant alien invaders? Can you imagine if it had an anime aesthetic, but with the special effects and physics you expect from a production from the 50s? Well, that is exactly The Last Salvage Squad. A tremendously fun and original Japanese FPS, with exquisite and spectacular art, that puts us in combat against a tremendously retro alien invasion. Very fun and different in a way that will captivate fans of science fiction and shooters alike.

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The studio behind Disco Elysium will release a temporary demo of its next game in the coming days

ZA/UM, the studio behind the acclaimed RPG Disco Elysium, has announced its next project titled Zero Parades, a spy game scheduled for release in 2026. Although a specific date has not yet been set, the developers have decided to offer players an early glimpse through a free demo that will be available from February 23 to March 16, coinciding with the Steam Next Fest. Although no one from the original studio remains, it remains to be seen what it is about. The demo will allow users to try two missions and explore facets of the intriguing world […]

Although no one from the original cast remains, we need to see what it’s about

The demo will allow users to try two missions and explore facets of the intriguing game world, which promises to follow a narrative structure similar to that of Disco Elysium, where every decision made by the player will influence the outcome of the story. Zero Parades will focus on a brilliant and tormented worker who must complete his final mission, facing influential NPC contacts, misleading dialogues, and characters with hidden motivations.

However, it is important to note that the team behind Zero Parades does not include the original creators of Disco Elysium. Labor tensions and conflicts over creative control between these developers and ZA/UM led the authors of Disco Elysium to part ways with the studio to found new companies, such as Red Info and Longdue Games. This split has raised questions about the creative direction of the new title and its ability to capture the essence that made Disco Elysium a phenomenon in the industry.

Despite these challenges, ZA/UM continues to move forward with Zero Parades, presenting a 15-minute gameplay video on YouTube that highlights some of the game’s mechanics. Players can expect encounters with “extravagant and questionable” characters in an environment that promises to be both surreal and intriguing, as they prepare to delve into a world full of complex decisions in a game that seeks to recapture the magic of its predecessor, albeit without the original talent at the helm.

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This game aims to take the narrative of video games to an unprecedented level

Tides of Tomorrow, the new game from Digixart, promises to take interactive storytelling to a new level. Set in Elnyd, an oceanic planet devastated by plastic pollution, the player embodies a Tidewalker who, after being in suspended animation, emerges to face a world in crisis after a Great Flood. The uniqueness of this title lies in the fact that it not only relies on personal choices but is also deeply influenced by the decisions of other players. A game of which we can still only try the demo In its demo presented during the Steam Next Fest, the […]

Tides of Tomorrow, the new game from Digixart, promises to take interactive storytelling to a new level. Set in Elnyd, an oceanic planet devastated by plastic pollution, the player embodies a Tidewalker who, after being in suspended animation, emerges to face a world in crisis after a Great Flood. The uniqueness of this title lies in the fact that it is not only based on personal choices but is also deeply influenced by the decisions of other players.

A game that we can only try the demo of for now

In the demo presented during the Steam Next Fest, players can experience a narrative where the actions of those who came before them directly affect their journey. The protagonists, driven by the urgency to survive in a hostile environment, must wisely choose how to interact with the limited resources and characters they encounter. For example, the decision to accept or reject a limited medication may have repercussions for future players who will follow the same path.

The gameplay allows players to experience the flows of others through shared visions and decisions, offering a more immersive and interconnected experience than usual. This innovative approach not only highlights the consequences of individual decisions but also generates a sense of responsibility towards others, taking collective storytelling to a new level. However, some wonder if the game will effectively balance the notion of personal choice with the influence of previous players.

Tides of Tomorrow will be released on February 24, 2026, for PC, PS5, and Xbox. With its focus on narrative and shared experience, it has the potential to resonate deeply with gamers looking for meaningful stories in interactive environments.

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The editor of one of the most anticipated indie games of the fall explodes: it is impossible to compete against Silksong

The launch of Silksong, the sequel to the acclaimed Hollow Knight, has put other developers in a bind as they seek to avoid direct competition on release dates. In this context, the game Demonschool has decided to delay its premiere to November 19, a measure that highlights the pressure that release dates impose on the video game industry. Moving to survive Brian Kwek, director of Ysbryd Games, the publisher of Demonschool, explained that the decision was made after careful analysis of the possible repercussions that a simultaneous release could have on their visibility and success. A […]

The launch of Silksong, the sequel to the acclaimed Hollow Knight, has put other developers in a bind as they seek to avoid direct competition on release dates. In this context, the game Demonschool has decided to delay its release to November 19, a measure that highlights the pressure that release dates impose on the video game industry.

Move to not die

Brian Kwek, director of Ysbryd Games, the publisher of Demonschool, explained that the decision was made after careful analysis of the potential repercussions that a simultaneous release could have on its visibility and success. Although Silksong is a 2D platformer, its immense popularity may overshadow other lesser-known titles, reducing the opportunities for Demonschool to attract the attention of players and streamers.

Kwek emphasized the anxiety that the delay has generated among developers and the potential negative reactions from players who were expecting the initial release. The reorganization of marketing strategies and communication with platforms like PlayStation and Xbox are just some of the challenges they must face. Additionally, they are pushing the calculation of a delay not only as a strategy to capitalize on the interest in Silksong but also to avoid the risks associated with coinciding with major releases like Final Fantasy Tactics or the Steam Next Fest event.

Delays are costly, as they force developers to continue paying their team without generating immediate revenue. However, Kwek emphasizes that the delay can also result in a more favorable launch window, taking advantage of the attention generated by other major titles. This could allow Demonschool to capture players’ interest at a time when there is a greater call on the Steam platform, which could be crucial for its commercial success.

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Dark and Darker faces an uncertain future with its developers confirming what players already suspected

The action role-playing game and dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been at the center of controversy in the months following its early access launch. Originally popularized during the February 2023 Steam Next Fest, the title has seen a drastic drop in its Steam ratings, with only 26% of recent reviews considered positive. Players have expressed their frustration regarding the direction of the game and the decisions made by the developer, known as SDF, arguing that these have negatively impacted the gaming experience. Terrible decisions were made Among the measures most […]

The action role-playing game and dungeon crawler, Dark and Darker, has been at the center of controversy in the months following its early access launch. Originally popularized during the February 2023 Steam Next Fest, the title has seen a drastic drop in its Steam ratings, with only 26% of recent reviews considered positive. Players have expressed their frustration regarding the direction of the game and the decisions made by the developer, known as SDF, arguing that these have negatively impacted the gaming experience.

Terrible decisions were made

Among the most criticized measures is the removal of fundamental game modes, such as options to play solo or in pairs, which fans have strongly labeled as a mistake that has hindered the gameplay of the title. Several players have expressed that these decisions seem to ignore the preferences of the community, creating a sense of distrust in the management of the project.

Disillusionment comes not only from external critics but also from former members of the Ironmace studio. In a recent podcast, these developers pointed out that SDF makes decisions based on their own performance in the game, paying little attention to the voices of the community, which has led to a management perceived as incompetent. According to one of the former members, “as long as that guy [SDF] is in charge of the company, the game will not recover,” reflecting the growing despair among the public.

With player confidence at alarmingly low levels, the future of Dark and Darker looks uncertain. While many players remain advocates for the game due to its potential, the current perception suggests it may be on a critical trajectory without significant change in its direction. Hopes for redemption for this title rest on SDF and their team’s ability to listen and respond to the concerns of their player base.

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This game combines Dark Souls with a card game and is as captivating as it is devastating

In the universe of video games, a new proposal is capturing the attention of fans: Death Howl, a game that combines elements of soulslike and deckbuilder. In this adventure, players take on the role of Ro, a shaman exploring a spiritual world in search of his deceased son. The emotional premise and game design promise an engaging experience from the start. A game that seeks to merge what seems impossible Throughout its development, Death Howl adopted movement and card mechanics that use the same resource, requiring strategic management […]

In the universe of video games, a new proposal is capturing the attention of fans: Death Howl, a game that combines elements of soulslike and deckbuilder. In this adventure, players take on the role of Ro, a shaman who explores a spiritual world in search of his deceased son. The emotional premise and game design promise an engaging experience from the start.

A game that seeks to merge what seems impossible

Throughout its development, Death Howl adopted movement mechanics and cards that use the same resource, requiring strategic management of the resource to attack and dodge. This blend of tactics allows players to develop a playstyle similar to that of FromSoftware titles, where patience and precision are crucial.

The game includes bonfire-style checkpoints, as well as respawn mechanics where players can recover resources after dying, highlighting the importance of health management amidst a constant challenge. This aspect has been well received by critics like Robin Valentine, who praised the way Death Howl effectively merges genres.

Players earn cards that act as equipment and combine to form combos, thus providing a satisfying progression experience. By exploring the synergies between cards and abilities, players can go from throwing stones to sharpening their spear and unleashing a lethal series of attacks, which adds a very appealing tactical component.

With its demo presented as part of the Steam Next Fest, Death Howl offers a first look at a game that, at first glance, might seem like an unusual combination of genres, but after a gaming experience, proves to be an ingenious and immersive fusion. Undoubtedly, fans of role-playing games and strategy should consider giving this innovative title a chance.

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This space game is ready to succeed with its free demo that will be released very soon

Jump Ship, the new title developed by Keepsake Games, is preparing to succeed in the landscape of space video games with its early release in 2025. This game has sparked notable interest, reflected in the more than 700,000 players who have already added it to their wish lists. The gaming community is eager to dive into this world where action and adventure intertwine in a cooperative multiplayer environment. Space and special Taking advantage of the upcoming Steam Next Fest, which will be held from June 9 to 16, Keepsake Games will release a playable demo that will allow […]

Jump Ship, the new title developed by Keepsake Games, is gearing up to succeed in the landscape of space video games with its early release in 2025. This game has sparked significant interest, reflected in the more than 700,000 players who have already added it to their wish lists. The gaming community is eager to dive into this world where action and adventure intertwine in a cooperative multiplayer environment.

Spatial and special

Taking advantage of the upcoming Steam Next Fest, which will be held from June 9 to 16, Keepsake Games will release a playable demo that will allow users to experience the game firsthand before its early access launch. This demo is seen as an important opportunity to receive feedback from a broader audience, according to Daniel Kaplan, the company’s CEO. We are very excited to hear what everyone thinks, Kaplan commented in a recent press release.

Jump Ship combines frantic combat both on foot and in ships, allowing players to explore different points of the universe while completing meticulously designed or randomly generated missions, ensuring that each game is unique. This variety in gameplay is one of the aspects that has attracted the audience’s attention, adding to the anticipation surrounding Keepsake Games’ proposal.

With a focus on action and multiplayer experience, Jump Ship promises to offer players extravagant challenges and continuous entertainment, cementing its place as one of the most anticipated titles of the coming year. Its arrival at the Steam Next Fest could mark a turning point in its development, allowing players from around the world to share their impressions before the official launch.

If you miss tower defense games, this roguelike wants to give you your new dose of the genre

Nordhold, a new tower defense game, has captured the attention of genre enthusiasts by offering a fresh and modern experience set in a charming Nordic village. The game revolves around managing tower combinations to protect against hordes of fantastic creatures, incorporating contemporary roguelike elements such as metaprogress and customizable upgrades. Since its release, Nordhold has accumulated 447 reviews on Steam, achieving a remarkable 91% positive rating. A tower defense game with many new mechanics for the genre Players start each round by selecting a hero and adding relics that grant bonuses […]

Nordhold, a new tower defense game, has captured the attention of genre enthusiasts by offering a fresh and modern experience set in a charming Nordic village. The game revolves around managing tower combinations to protect against hordes of fantastic creatures, incorporating contemporary roguelike elements such as metaprogression and customizable upgrades. Since its release, Nordhold has accumulated 447 reviews on Steam, achieving a remarkable 91% positive rating.

A tower defense with many new mechanics for the genre

Players begin each round by selecting a hero and adding relics that provide economic and defensive bonuses. This mechanic, combined with customization options chosen from random groups, allows users to experience different strategies in each game, which undoubtedly contributes to its high replayability. Additionally, the title features a unique system in which an oracle can offer “deals with the devil,” challenging players with rounds of stronger enemies in exchange for greater rewards.

At a time when the tower defense genre is constantly evolving, Nordhold positions itself as a strong competitor thanks to its varied and engaging gameplay. Critics have responded positively, and players have expressed enthusiasm for the gameplay mechanics that combine hexagonal structures and immersive strategies. Nordhold’s proposal has resonated with a wide audience since it was showcased in Steam Next Fest demos, and it continues to generate interest in the gaming community.

Nordhold is available on Steam for 20 euros, and currently offers a 20% discount until April 8th. This promotion could attract more players to discover what this title has to offer, in a year where several notable games within its genre are expected to be released.

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The director of The First Berserker: Khazan is firm: games must be engaging, not exhausting

Soulslike games continue to be an important phenomenon, 15 years after Demon’s Souls popularized the style. This trend has come to dominate the landscape of action games in general. We observe this evolution with titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which, although inspired by games like Sekiro, offers a more accessible experience. Its director is clear: video games must be fun above all. More recently, a new addition to the genre has been presented: The First Berserker: Khazan. Although during a demonstration at Steam Next Fest, its closeness to the […]

Soulslike games continue to be an important phenomenon, 15 years after Demon’s Souls popularized the style. This trend has come to dominate the landscape of action games in general. We observe this evolution with titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, which, although inspired by games like Sekiro, offers a more accessible experience.

His director is clear: video games must be fun above all

More recently, a new addition to the genre has been presented: The First Berserker: Khazan. Although during a demonstration at Steam Next Fest its closeness to soulslikes can be perceived, the creative director, Junho Lee, insists that his game is more than that. In an interview with GamesRadar+, Lee explained that “Khazan is a unique hardcore action RPG experience, infused with the DNA of Dungeon & Fighter,” a successful MMO that started in 2005.

Despite the obvious similarities to soulslikes, such as precise pattern analysis and strategic combat, Lee emphasizes that his title stands out by offering “fast-paced and exciting action with a distinctive skill system”. When trying the demo, many players may find reminiscences of Stranger of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin in terms of skill trees and the pace of combat.

Lee does not consider the term soulslike to be derogatory and recognizes it as a powerful label that evokes in many players the idea of challenging combat and intricate game design. “When players compare Khazan to soulslike titles, they are not just noticing mechanical similarities. The pursuit of challenge and achievement, as well as immersive game design, are key pillars of our approach,” he added.

Finally, Lee shared his perspective on difficulty in video games, stating that “games should be engaging, not exhausting”, a statement that may resonate with enthusiasts of various genres. Something we will see on March 27, when the game is released.

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