5 Steam Events You Don’t Want to Miss

Plenty of new indie games are announced every single day, so what's the best way to discover them? Steam fests! With how accessible Steam has become for both players and developers, you can now check out upcoming games across every genre through festivals hosted by both Steam and external partners.

Here are 5 upcoming Steam fests to check out if you’re looking for new indie games to try:

Steam Next Fest

Steam Next Fest is the BIG one; the festival that puts indie games front and center. Officially hosted by Steam, it features hundreds of free demos from indie developers all over the world, and runs on multiple occasions throughout the year. If you're looking to discover new indie games and add them to your wishlist, this is where you start. This week-long event will next be held on June 15 - 22, so you don’t want to miss out!

Wholesome Direct

If you’re a cozy or wholesome gamer, then you don’t want to miss out on this year’s Wholesome Direct! It started on June 6, showcasing over 50 heartwarming and inspiring games from indie developers around the world. Some games will also have discounts during this event, so if you’ve been eyeing a cozy game or two, don’t forget to check out this event! Sometimes we all need a break from the chaos, and these types of games are perfect for winding down.

Steam Scream Fest

For all the horror fans out there, this year’s Steam Scream will be held during Halloween season, from October 26 until November 2. This event isn't just limited to pure horror games, either. You'll also find titles with Halloween-themed content or updates, or simply just anything with a spooky vibe. What better time to add some scary games to your wishlist than right before the spookiest night of the year?

Short Games Showcase

Are you looking for games you can actually finish in one sitting? This August, the Short Games Showcase will return with more short games for those looking for it! This event highlights games that offer a complete and satisfying experience in under 5 hours, perfect for when you want a full story or unique concept without the 40+ hour commitment. They’re also crafted specifically to deliver a tight, focused experience from start to finish. If you're tired of grindy progression systems or repetitive gameplay loops that artificially pad game time, this showcase is for you.

Regional Games Showcase

Last but not least, since summer is a big time for gaming, there will be regional game showcases across the season, spotlighting developers from specific parts of the world. This includes the Southeast Asian Games Showcase and LATAM Games Showcase, both running alongside the bigger Summer Game Fest events. These showcases are a great opportunity to discover games you might not have encountered otherwise, with unique cultural perspectives and storytelling styles that may differ from Western releases.

Now that you know what's coming up, which fest are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments what you'll be checking out!