Steam Next Fest was packed to the brim with incredible demos to try. While we couldn’t play them all, we’ve rounded up some of our faves – and the best news is that a lot of their demo’s are still live so you can check them out too!
Is This Seat Taken?
Is This Seat Taken? is a wholesome narrative puzzle game where seating arrangements become tiny acts of empathy. You play as a silent observer in everyday public spaces – cafés, trains, waiting rooms – tasked with helping strangers find the perfect seat. But it’s not just about shuffling people around; each character comes with their own quirks, preferences, and little backstories. Some want to sit by the window, others need space from certain folks, and a few just want a quiet corner to themselves. Your job is to make sure everyone’s happy… or at least, no one ends up glaring at each other across the table.
One thing I really appreciated right from the start is how clearly each character explains where they’d like to sit. It makes the gameplay feel intuitive and smooth, while still leaving plenty of room for challenge as the levels get trickier. You’re constantly weighing character preferences, relationships, and subtle social cues—all while trying to make sure nobody ends up in the wrong seat.
What really stood out to me, though, were the small narrative details. Each scene has its own vibe, from cozy cafés to quiet train rides, and the reasons people give for their seating choices add so much personality. It’s a simple mechanic, but it creates moments that feel surprisingly thoughtful and even a little emotional.
Despite being a short demo, the game still manages to tell a charming, well-paced story. The little comments and interactions between characters bring the world to life in a way I didn’t expect. And for those who enjoy going the extra mile, there’s even a secret level you can unlock by completing every stage perfectly—a clever reward for players who love 100%-ing things.
If you’re into narrative puzzles, cozy aesthetics, and small moments packed with meaning, this one’s worth keeping an eye on. I’m really looking forward to seeing how the full release expands on these ideas.
cairn
Cairn is a narrative survival-climbing game that drops you onto a treacherous, remote mountainside with nothing but your gear, your instincts, and a story that slowly pulls you deeper with every step upward. You play as Aava, a lone climber on a dangerous expedition, driven by a personal mystery that unfolds through small moments, subtle hints, and evocative atmosphere. The mountain isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a living, breathing character you’ll have to understand, respect, and survive.
This game completely pulled me in. The freedom to climb wherever you want – and the ability to place each hand and foot individually – makes every movement feel smooth, precise, and rewarding. It’s rare to find a climbing game that gives you this much control, and it really makes every step of the climb feel personal and intense.
For a demo that runs about an hour, there’s a surprising amount of depth packed in. You’re not just climbing – you’re surviving. You collect resources, manage your water supply, and even cook meals that can heal you or boost your grip strength to take on tougher sections of the route. Everything you do feels like it matters, and every choice impacts how far you’ll make it.
One of the most memorable mechanics for me is placing pitons. Not only do you have to skill check in a stressful area, they become your lifeline while climbing in high-stakes zones. Being able to rest, reduce muscle strain, or create a safety point in case you fall adds real tension – especially when you’re hanging on by a thread near a brutal section. It makes each climb feel like even more of a challenge.
What I didn’t expect – and what really surprised me in the best way – is how much story is woven into the demo. The more I played, the more I wanted to know about Aava. The game hints at her reasons for attempting such a dangerous climb, but never gives too much away too soon. There’s this emotional weight behind her journey that makes you care about more than just reaching the summit – you want to understand what drives her.
Overall, Cairn is already shaping up to be something special. The mix of survival mechanics, immersive climbing, and an emotional story is incredibly well-balanced. I’m honestly counting down the days until the full release on November 6th. If the demo is this engaging, I can only imagine how powerful the final ascent will be.
Voyagers of NEra
Voyagers of Nera is a magical survival-crafting adventure that drops you and up to nine friends into a lush, mysterious ocean world filled with ancient spirits, curious creatures, and forgotten lore. At first glance, it may look like your standard base-building survival game, but it quickly reveals itself to be something much more heartfelt and ambitious. Whether you’re exploring haunted islands or crafting new tools beneath the stars, there’s a sense of wonder running through every moment.
I went in expecting the usual loop of chopping wood and building shelters, but what I got was a rich, enchanted world brimming with charm and depth. The 10-player co-op really elevates the experience. Working together to survive, explore, and solve the mysteries of this vibrant seascape is endlessly rewarding, especially as you start to piece together the story behind the world and the spirits that linger in it.
Sailing between islands never gets old. Each new destination has its own atmosphere, from eerie, fog-drenched ruins to bright coral-filled shallows teeming with life. Whether you’re upgrading your base, customizing your boat, improving your gear, or just going off in search of loot, there is always something new to discover.
What stood out most to me was the balance between gameplay and storytelling. It is not just about surviving. The game invites you to connect with the world and its inhabitants, helping wayward spirits and slowly unraveling the history of Nera. Even in its current state, the game world feels alive and meaningful, with more depth than most in the genre.
With its full release arriving on August 5, Voyagers of Nera is shaping up to be one of the most promising survival-crafting games on the horizon. It is packed with content, plays beautifully in co-op, and nails that blend of creativity, exploration, and story that keeps you coming back for more.
Tiny Bookshop
Tiny Bookshop is a cozy slice-of-life sim where you leave behind the chaos of your old life to start fresh with a traveling bookstall in a quiet seaside town. The moment the game begins, you’re met with soft music, warm colors, and a sense of calm that makes it feel like a deep breath in game form. It’s not just about selling books. It’s about finding peace in the everyday and building something of your own, one page at a time.
What drew me in right away was the vibe. This world feels lived-in and welcoming, like a place you’d want to escape to after a long day. You set up your little bookshop, restock your shelves with carefully chosen titles, and visit new locations to discover even more books to sell. Every spot has its own unique atmosphere, and every new item you find adds character to your mobile stall. Decorating becomes part of the story, letting you create a space that reflects your personality and style.
The gameplay is quietly satisfying. It has just enough structure to keep you engaged but never feels rushed or stressful. You spend your time meeting locals, learning their tastes, and recommending books that fit their moods. These small interactions are what really bring the experience to life. Helping a customer find the perfect book doesn’t just earn you coins. It feels like a meaningful exchange.
I was also surprised by how much the demo managed to deliver in terms of atmosphere and emotion. It’s a gentle game that invites you to slow down, pay attention, and enjoy the little moments. Whether you’re unpacking boxes of new books or sipping coffee at your stall between customers, everything is designed to help you relax and settle into the world.
With its full release arriving on August 8, Tiny Bookshop is looking like an absolute gem for fans of wholesome, creative games. It’s thoughtful, beautifully made, and full of charm from cover to cover.
Flowers and Favours
Step into a sunlit little flower shop and slow things down in Flowers and Favours, a peaceful floral design game that’s all about creativity, calm, and connection. It’s the kind of game that invites you to take your time, trust your eye for beauty, and build something meaningful one bloom at a time.
This game is the definition of cozy. From the moment I stepped into my little flower shop, I felt completely at peace. Customers come in with a request for a bouquet, often based on a specific color theme, and it’s up to you to choose the perfect flowers to bring their vision to life. It’s simple, but incredibly satisfying.
There’s something so calming about carefully selecting each flower, adjusting its angle and height, and choosing the perfect wrapping to tie it all together. The attention to detail makes every bouquet feel like a little piece of art. I often found myself taking a moment just to admire what I’d made before handing it over.
Honestly, this game made me want to go outside and pick flowers in real life. It captures the joy of floral design in such a gentle, creative way. It’s not just about arranging blooms. It’s about creating something meaningful and beautiful for someone else.
This is absolutely going on my watch list. I can already tell it’s going to be one of those games I turn to on a cold, rainy day when I just want to unwind and create something lovely.
Escape Simulator 2
If you love escape rooms, logic puzzles, or just the thrill of cracking codes, Escape Simulator 2 is going to be right up your alley. This is the kind of game that gets your brain buzzing in the best way possible and leaves you feeling like a genius when everything clicks.
This game is such a blast if you love puzzles that really make you think. Each scenario throws you into a new room, and it’s your job to piece together every clue, code, and odd object to figure out how to escape. It’s like being dropped straight into a real-life escape room, except you don’t have to leave your house.
What makes it so much fun is how clever the puzzles are. They’re challenging without feeling impossible, and every solution feels super satisfying once you finally crack it. I actually had to grab a notebook because there was so much to keep track of. Numbers, patterns, little details that all connect in ways you don’t expect. It’s one of those games where you’re constantly saying, “Wait… what if this goes with that?”
It’s even better with friends. You can bounce ideas off each other, argue over what to try next, and celebrate when you finally break through to the next room. It’s exactly what you’d want from a digital escape room experience. Fun, tricky, and full of those classic “aha” moments.
If you’re into puzzle games or love the challenge of figuring things out under pressure, this one is a must-try.
Jump Ship
Strap in for a chaotic, co-op space adventure in Jump Ship, where teamwork, tactical space battles, and surprise boarding encounters are all part of the fun. It’s equal parts crew simulator and sci-fi shooter, with just the right amount of panic and personality.
I love space, so this is definitely one of those go-to games for me. This demo has quickly become one of my absolute favorites. There’s just so much packed into it, from ship battles to space walks, and it’s all a blast to play.
You and up to three friends get to crew a spaceship together. You can work as a team or end up yelling at each other when things go wrong, which is just as fun. Whether you’re flying the ship, fixing it mid-battle, or running around fighting off enemies, there’s always something exciting going on.
One of the coolest parts is how smoothly the game lets you switch between flying and on-foot exploration. You can jump out for a space walk or board another ship, and it feels awesome every time.
The shooter part of the game really hits the spot too. I’ve been looking for something like this for ages. You find weapons, gear up, and fight to complete missions and get paid. On top of that, keeping your ship in good shape, powering systems, and surviving tough fights just adds to the fun.
If you’re into space games like me, this is one you have to try.
Ship Inc
Sometimes, the most satisfying games are the ones that let you slow down and focus on the little things. Ship Inc is one of those perfectly chill games where you pack orders, upgrade your workspace, and enjoy the simple joy of putting things in their right place.
This is one of those games that just wraps you up in comfort from the moment you start. Ship Inc is a cozy little gem where you run a wholesome shipping business, carefully packing up boxes and making sure every item is safe and snug. There’s something so soothing about finding the perfect spot for each item and sealing everything up just right.
I love how thoughtful the packing process is. There are so many different ways to fit things together, and it’s fun experimenting to make it all work. Plus, being able to upgrade almost everything — your tools, your packing area, even the stickers you use — adds a lovely sense of progress. And yes, popping bubble wrap never gets old. It’s such a small touch, but it makes me smile every time.
Even though it’s just a demo, there’s already so much to enjoy. It’s packed with charming little details and features that make you want to keep playing. I’m really looking forward to the full release on June 23.
Dead as Disco
Turn up the volume and get ready to throw punches on the beat. Dead as Disco is a rhythm-fueled arcade brawler that combines tight combat, retro flair, and absolute musical chaos in the best way possible.
I was not ready for how good this was. As someone who loves music, getting to fight on the beat of a song is just insanely cool. Every punch, kick, and move syncing perfectly with the rhythm feels like a music lover’s dream turned into a full-on arcade brawler.
The arcade style is super fun, and you can really tell how much effort went into making everything feel tight and polished. Even in just the demo, the gameplay is smooth, the visuals pop, and the songs are absolute bangers. There’s a nice variety already, and if they’re planning to add more tracks, I am all in.
The story seems like it’s going to build into something awesome too, especially with hints of boss fights and new enemies on the way. I’m already hooked and can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Honestly, I can already tell this is going to be one of those games I play nonstop.
Town to City
Town to City is a cozy city builder that starts small and grows into something big, charming, and full of personality. If you’ve ever wanted a chill sim where every building feels like it belongs and every upgrade makes your little world better, this is one to watch.
Okay, this game is amazing. I had so much fun building up my little city and watching it come to life. There’s something really satisfying about placing buildings, managing your space, and unlocking new upgrades through research. Every time you expand, it makes you want to keep going just to see what you can build next.
It honestly feels like a cozy mix between Tiny Glade and Cities: Skylines, and I am absolutely here for it. It has that relaxing charm while still giving you lots to manage and think about, which keeps things exciting without being overwhelming.
One of my favorite details is being able to zoom all the way in to see your tiny, pixelated city up close. It’s adorable and makes everything feel more personal. I also love how you can move families into different homes based on their needs and wants. It’s such a thoughtful mechanic that makes the whole game feel more alive.
If the demo is anything to go by, the full game is going to be something really special.
That’s a wrap on just a few of the incredible demos we played during Steam Next Fest.
Most of these demos are still available, so if any caught your eye go and check them out!
Until next time, stay caffeinated!