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Steam Next Fest is an online Steam event where players can try demos of upcoming games and discover new releases. The October 2026 edition runs October 19–26 and is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM Pacific Time (PT). Its lineup is edition-specific, so check Steam’s event page and each game’s store page for current participation and demo availability.
What is Steam Next Fest?
Steam calls Next Fest a “multi-day celebration of upcoming games” where players can “Play What’s Next” from first-time and veteran developers. It is a digital showcase centered on trying game demos and discovering upcoming releases—not an in-person convention. Steam’s event page also provides ways to browse games and find developer livestreams or chats.
Visit the Steam Next Fest event page to explore the current edition.
When does Steam Next Fest start?
Steam lists the October 2026 edition for October 19–26, with a scheduled start time of 10:00 AM PT. Event timing can change, so check Steam’s event page near the start date for updates. Individual demos may have their own availability; confirm the status on the relevant game page.
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What games are in Steam Next Fest?
The lineup spans genres, but it changes by edition and can shift as developers publish or update their pages. There is no reliable fixed list to rely on in advance: browse the live event page for participating games, then open a game’s Steam page to check whether its demo is playable.
To narrow the choices, use Steam’s categories, tags, subgenres, and feature filters. When deciding what to try, check the game’s listed features, player count or multiplayer support, demo details, supported platforms, and system requirements. These details vary by game.
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How to find and try demos
- Open the Steam Next Fest event page.
- Browse categories or filter by tags, subgenres, and features.
- Open a game’s store page and check demo availability and system requirements.
- Install and try demos that interest you; Steam describes the event demos as free to play.
- Wishlist games you want to follow. Steam has previously said players could be notified when wishlisted games officially launch; notification behavior may depend on Steam’s current settings and interface.
Where to find developer livestreams and chats
Steam’s event schedule is the place to look for developer-hosted livestreams and chats. Check it during the event for appearances and their times; the schedule is separate from the question of whether a particular game’s demo is currently available.
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