Video Game Demos
Ongoing coverage on Video Game Demos.
Latest coverage
Valve Knows Steam Next Fest Has An AI Slop Problem, And It’s Looking For Solutions
Valve is aware of the issue of low-quality, AI-generated game demos surfacing during Steam Next Fest and is exploring solutions. The company acknowledges that the randomized game selection at the start of the event, designed to give all developers equal exposure, leads to some "AI slop" being presented to users. While Valve is actively considering fixes, their current temporary solution is to wait a few days into the event for personalized recommendations to kick in.
Steam Next Fest Was Flooded With Slop. These 50 Demos Cut Through The Noise
The October Steam Next Fest was criticized for being overwhelmed by a large volume of low-quality game demos, making it difficult to find notable titles. Despite the challenges, a list of 50 standout demos was compiled, highlighting trends like social multiplayer games and niche simulation titles. Valve has not addressed the issues, and the number of demos is expected to increase in future events.
Steam Next Fest: Most-Played Demos So Far Include Fart Together, Emberville, ArcheAge Chronicles
Steam Next Fest has revealed its most-played demos so far, featuring a diverse range of titles including 'Fart Together,' 'Emberville,' and 'ArcheAge Chronicles.' The event, which showcases numerous game demos, runs through Monday, October 26.
Zelda symphony, Street Fighter movie, Bluey’s Happy Snaps and more! Pure Nintendo Podcast E185
The Pure Nintendo Podcast E185 covers the latest Nintendo news, including a trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and discussions about orchestra events. The hosts also recap PAX Aus, discuss indie games like Tom the Postgirl, and highlight titles such as Metaphor: ReFantazio, Bluey's Happy Snaps, and Jackbox Party Pack.
Steam Next Fest 2026 has more than double the number of demos than last year, but how much of it is generative 'AI slop'?
Steam Next Fest 2026 features over 8,000 game demos, but concerns are rising about the prevalence of generative AI 'slop' and its impact on discoverability and plagiarism. Developers are worried about their work being imitated, as seen with the cancellation of Drunken Goddess Reflux's demo. Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is receiving positive reviews on Steam for its campaign, a stark contrast to previous entries.
SGJ Podcast #520 – What the Hell is a Demo?
The SGJ Podcast episode #520 features hosts Spaz, Julie, Thorston, Jacob, and another discussing the concept of game demos. They define what a demo is, explore its history including its rise, fall, and resurgence, and share some of their personal favorite demos.
What Dragon Quest VII and Final Fantasy XVI Teach About Game Demos | Invision Game Community
This article analyzes the design decisions behind game demos, using Dragon Quest VII Reimagined and Final Fantasy XVI as examples. It discusses how developers balance showcasing enough content to entice players while leaving them wanting more, and the impact of transferable progress versus time limits on the player experience.
Everything From The State Of Play That You Can Try Right Now
Sony's State of Play showcased several games with demos and ports available immediately. Demos for Final Fantasy Resonance, Stupid Never Dies, and SlashZero are out now, with progression carrying over to the full releases. Additionally, Double Fine's Keeper has received a PlayStation 5 port and a price drop.
Spooky Tales – Beta Demo | Alpha Beta Gamer
The beta demo for Spooky Tales, an anthology horror game inspired by Tales from the Crypt, is now available on Steam. The demo features a seafaring voyage in cursed seas, while the full game will include distinct stories with 1920s pulp dread, Japanese body horror, and mascot horror.
Skip the queues and retire the folding chairs - this month's indie.io release slate saves you from the Gamescom grind
Indie publisher indie.io is offering discounts and demos for several upcoming titles on Steam to coincide with Gamescom. Featured games include the park management sim Monster Park Tycoon, the desert strategy title Dunebound Tactics, the survival adventure Mayday: The Survival Island, and the prehistoric survival simulator Polylithic. Cozy games We Took That Trip and Cozy Builder, along with the esports management sim Esports Manager 2026, are also highlighted.
SEGA and Atlus reveal TGS 2026 lineup
SEGA and Atlus have revealed their lineup for the 2026 Tokyo Game Show, featuring titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, and Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds across Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. Most games will have playable demos available during the event, which runs from September 17-21.
Playable Control Resonant and a Dune: Awakening Update Highlight Level Infinite’s Massive gamescom 2026 Plans
Level Infinite will feature playable demos of Control Resonant and Dune: Awakening at gamescom 2026. The company will also reveal exclusive content for Hunt: Showdown 1896 at the event.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Demo Hits Gamescom on August 26
Bandai Namco announced that a playable demo for Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 will be available at Gamescom on August 26, 2026. While this is an additional demo beyond the previously announced Tokyo Game Show appearance, no home console demo has been confirmed. The game is currently slated for a 2027 release, with a 'Road Tour' offering hands-on opportunities throughout the latter half of 2026.
Bandai Namco's Bonus Level Event Proves Curiosity is King — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Bandai Namco Entertainment's 'Bonus Level' pop-up event in the Philippines is highlighted as an effective model for engaging the public with video games. The event featured playable demos and interactive booths for various titles, aiming to spark curiosity rather than hard-selling, and has been replicated across Southeast Asia.
Mario Kart Tour takes a bow | Pure Nintendo Podcast E170
Nintendo is shutting down its mobile game Mario Kart Tour in September. The Pure Nintendo Podcast discusses this news, along with the upcoming release Go-Go Town from indie developer Prideful Sloth, and sales data for Rhythm Heaven. They also cover demos for Moonlight Peaks and Digimon Story, and other games the hosts are playing.
Engagement Ring
Steam Next Fest showcased a wide variety of game demos in June 2026, allowing players to experience upcoming titles on PC. The event highlighted numerous playable demos across various genres.
The Stream Team: Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, Trine 6, and more Steam Next Fest multiplayer demos
Massively OP's MJ Guthrie will be showcasing various multiplayer game demos from Steam Next Fest, including Hawthorne, SpiritVale, Caved In, and Trine 6. Hawthorne is notably developed by former employees of Bethesda, BioWare, and Naughty Dog. The stream will focus on multiplayer and MMORPG titles, with a mention of interest in single-player games like Chonky Cat and Where We Used to Play.
I've been playing Steam Next Fest demos for over 5 years, and here are the 12 demos you shouldn't miss during…
This guide highlights 12 recommended free demos available during Steam Next Fest, covering a variety of genres and styles. The article provides brief descriptions and developer information for each featured game, encouraging players to try them before the event concludes.
Steam Next Fest June 2026: 25 Of The Best Demos You Can Play Right Now
Steam Next Fest June 2026 is underway, offering over 4,000 game demos to play on PC. This guide highlights 25 of the best new demos available, spanning various genres from survival horror and action RPGs to life simulators and roguelikes. The festival runs until June 22, followed by the Steam Summer Sale.
ShackStream: Indie-licious Episode 205 - Tanuki: Pon's Summer Steam Next Fest Demo
This article previews the demo for Tanuki: Pon's Summer, an indie game available during Steam Next Fest. Players control Pon, a tanuki who takes a job as a postal worker to fund the restoration of his shrine. The demo allows players to experience BMXing around town and the countryside to help NPCs.
