Steam’s Néo Fest showcases upcoming game demos three times a year, offering a chance to discover potential favorites. Highlights from the February 2025 event include engaging titles like “Is This Seat Taken?”, a puzzle game; “Wordatro!”, a word-building challenge; and an adventure climbing Mount Kami. Other intriguing demos feature a Lovecraftian narrative, a serene photography experience, and a retro horror game. Players can explore these and more until March 3, expanding their gaming library.
Discover Exciting Demos at Steam’s Néo Fest
Three times a year, Steam hosts the Néo Fest, also known as Next Fest, a vibrant event that highlights demos of soon-to-be-released games on Valve’s platform and beyond. This occasion is a fantastic opportunity to uncover new titles that may soon adorn your wishlist and eventually fill your library upon their release. We spent the week exploring Steam to curate the best demos from the February 2025 edition of Néo Fest, and here are our top picks.
Unforgettable Titles to Try
Are you ready to tackle the challenge of seating diverse passengers on a bus? In “Is This Seat Taken?”, players must strategically place individuals according to their preferences, which becomes increasingly complex as you progress through the levels. This charming puzzle game also weaves a narrative, and we hope the story delivers in the final version.
If you enjoy word games, “Wordatro!” might catch your attention. Inspired by the LocalThunk concept, this game swaps poker for Scrabble. Players must form words from the available letters to score points and advance, all while considering multiplier bonuses. The game is already addictive, and we can only hope that “WQT” makes the cut as an accepted word!
Fans of adventure will be excited to learn about a climbing game that follows Aava as she ascends Mount Kami. With fluid gameplay and an artistic style by Mathieu Bablet, the game promises both freedom and tension, as the risk of falling adds to the thrill. We eagerly await its official launch to experience this breathtaking journey.
In a Lovecraftian twist, a young doctor ventures into a remote village to heal its residents. As he navigates his duties, he must also fend off madness induced by eerie hallucinations while fulfilling ethically challenging requests. The demo has left us intrigued, and we can’t wait to explore the different endings upon release.
For those looking for a serene experience, one demo invites players to walk the world and capture stunning landscapes through photography. This solo-developed game allows you to utilize various camera settings while uncovering secrets along your journey—a perfect calm between high-octane gaming experiences.
Imagine a game that combines the investigative spirit of Firewatch with a touch of the supernatural. This VR-compatible experience places you in a police officer’s shoes, delving into the woods to uncover the mystery surrounding a guard’s disappearance. The demo successfully sets a thrilling tone, hinting at an enticing narrative ahead.
Experience an interactive novel that immerses players in a 90s thriller. By clicking on words, you activate animated sequences or solve puzzles. While currently available only in English and Spanish, the game’s unique mechanics shine brightly from the start, even if the puzzles are still developing.
The creators of Frostpunk invite you to embark on a survival journey on an alien planet. As Jan, you can create clones to aid in your survival efforts. The demo effectively communicates the game’s core principles, emphasizing base management and clone care, making for a rich and emotional gameplay experience.
For fans of retro horror, a new demo returns to fixed cameras and tank controls, reminiscent of classic Resident Evil games, infused with the macabre essence of Silent Hill. While players must adapt to the retro controls, the chilling atmosphere and survival elements promise a tough challenge. If the Kickstarter campaign meets its goals, we might even see versions for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and both Switch models.
The developers behind Nidhogg shift gears with a bike racing game that left us wanting more, despite its limited demo. Enjoy exhilarating speed, a customizable bike, and a captivating artistic direction that makes for delightful rides.
Lastly, dive into a pixel art RPG where music takes center stage. Players control a young musician battling against a major label, utilizing guitars and basses to save the world. This game combines retro RPG mechanics with engaging rhythm-based action.
All of these demos, along with many more, will be available until March 3 during the Steam Néo Fest. Be sure to explore the plethora of PC games waiting for you!