The first major gaming event of 2026 kicks off on February 23rd. Dive into a week-long celebration of upcoming titles, developer livestreams, and community chats.
If your Steam wishlist isn’t already overflowing, prepare for that to change. The Steam Team has officially announced that the first Steam Next Fest of 2026 begins tomorrow, Monday, February 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. Pacific.
This thrice-yearly tradition has become a cornerstone of the PC gaming calendar, serving as a massive digital expo where developers from around the world showcase their “not-yet-launched” projects. For seven days, players can download and play hundreds of free demos spanning every conceivable genre—from cozy farming sims and mind-bending puzzlers to high-octane shooters and expansive RPGs.
Try Before You Buy (or Wishlist)
The philosophy behind Next Fest is simple: connect creators with their future audience. For gamers, it is an opportunity to go hands-on with the next big indie hit or a highly anticipated AAA title before spending a dime.
“Play as many demos as you want, and wishlist the ones you like so you can stay notified the moment they officially launch,” says the Steam Team. Given how crowded the Steam storefront can be, Next Fest acts as a curated spotlight, helping hidden gems rise to the surface through player engagement and feedback.
More Than Just Demos
While the playable builds are the main attraction, Steam Next Fest is also a highly social event. Throughout the week (February 23 – March 2), the event page will be packed with:
- Developer Livestreams: Watch the creators play their own games, explain mechanics, and show off behind-the-scenes content.
- Live Chats: Many developers host Q&A sessions where players can ask questions about development, lore, and future release plans.
- Official Trailers: A dedicated hub to watch the latest cinematics and gameplay reveals for the year’s upcoming roster.
Watch the Official Event Trailer: YouTube Link
A Preview of the Year Ahead
Coming off the back of recent niche events like the PvP Fest and Horse Fest, Next Fest represents a massive expansion in scope. The February 2026 edition is expected to feature some of the year’s most talked-about indie projects, including many titles that were recently teased during the Sony State of Play and the Convergence Showcase.
Whether you are looking for a new obsession to play on your Steam Deck or something to push your desktop rig to its limits, the sheer volume of content ensures there is something for everyone.
Event Schedule
- Start Date: Monday, February 23rd @ 10:00 a.m. PT
- End Date: Monday, March 2nd @ 10:00 a.m. PT
- Where: Steam Storefront
The festival ends promptly at 10 a.m. on March 2nd, at which point many developers will pull their demos back into the vault for further polishing. If there is a game you’ve been eyeing, this week is your best (and sometimes only) chance to play it early.
See you on the servers!
Visit the Event Page (Live Monday): Steam Next Fest February 2026