Tag: Steam Next Fest

  • Cozy Repair Sim: Fix Retro Tech in 2000s Akihabara

    Cozy Repair Sim: Fix Retro Tech in 2000s Akihabara

    Key Takeaway

    – New demo for *ReStory: Chill Electronic Repairs* available on Steam
    – Set in mid-2000s Tokyo, repairing retro electronics like PSP, DS, and phones
    – Features collaboration with Atari, including classic consoles like Lynx and 2600
    – Core gameplay: disassemble, clean, solder, and reassemble devices
    – New demo includes airbrush customization, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements

    tinyBuild and the developer Mandragora has dropped a fresh demo for a relaxing repair sim called ReStory: Chill Electronic Repairs. You get to fix a Nintendo DS and a PSP, which is pretty neat if you like old tech.

    The setting of this game is in Tokyo

    It lets players step into the shoes of a average electronics repair shop owner in Tokyo in the mid-2000s. The game guides you through relaxing, hands-on repairs of gaming consoles, mobile phones, and peripherals, alongside managing the repair shop and a branching story driven by how well you treat and serve your customers.

    Akihabara is the backdrop

    The game is set against the backdrop of Akihabara, and your suppose to calmly fix devices ranging from flip phones to gadgets you may have seen in the 2000s. Furthermore, a collaberation with Atari brings the company’s classic console lineup to the repair bench as well.

    Steam Next Fest demo is out

    The updated demo is already available as part of Steam Next Fest and further fleshes out the gameplay with new tools and quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback. tinyBuild stated on Steam, “The demo offers an expanded look at the pre-release version of the game and introduces new gadgets like the Atari Lynx (as part of the collaboration with Atari) and the Patento BS, which draws inspiration (but not too much inspiration) from one of the most iconic gaming handhelds. Another addition to the demo compared to the playtest build is the airbrush drawing tool, which allows players to visually customize devices—some of the community creations can be seen in the latest trailer.”

    Bug fixes and visual polish

    The demo has also been patched with some bug fixes, visual polish, and better controls to help the cozy repair sim feel more complete. As expected, the core loop of the game requires you to carefully disassemble various Y2K and 2000s-era pieces of tech like the PSP, DS, mobile phones, music players, and more.

    What you do in the game

    The gameplay involves opening up the devices, cleaning out dust and debris, replacing faulty components, soldering connections, and reassembling everything. Furthermore, the collaberation with Atari means you’ll get to work on 1:1 recreations of the company’s iconic lineup of retro consoles, including the Atari Lynx, Atari 2600, and Jaguar.

    Full release is coming soon

    The full version of ReStory: Chill Electronic Repairs is slated to launch on PC via Steam later on and will be playable in English. For now, the demo is free to download on Steam, giving players a chance to tinker with older hardware and see how a Japanese repair shop in Akihabara thrived in the mid-2000s.

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  • Steam Next Fest Overrun with Low-Effort AI Demos, Users Warn Valve

    Steam Next Fest Overrun with Low-Effort AI Demos, Users Warn Valve

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gamers are unhappy with this year’s Steam Next Fest due to a rise in low-quality demos, often created using generative AI or reused assets.
    2. Many demos have been labeled as “AI slop,” indicating a perception of low-effort and generic content among players.
    3. Over 17% of demos in recent Next Fest events have been tagged with Steam’s generative AI label, showing a growing presence of AI-driven games.
    4. Discussions on Steam highlight the distinction between using AI tools and asset flips, raising concerns about game discoverability and curation.
    5. The debate around AI usage in game development is expected to grow, focusing on the balance between transparency and quality on platforms like Steam.

    This year’s Steam Next Fest, which kicked off today (Feb 24), is facing significant backlash from gamers who are calling attention to what they see as a surplus of low-quality demos relying on generative AI or reused assets. The Steam Next Fest events serve as promotional opportunities where numerous developers offer free demos for players to try within a week. This approach is designed to allow smaller studios to gain visibility and for players to preview games before their release. However, many in the community are noticing not just fresh concepts, but an increase in titles that seem hurried, lack polish, or depend too heavily on AI-generated content.

    Community Concerns

    On Steam’s forums and community threads, players have labeled these demos as “AI slop,” a term that has become popular for describing digital content created with AI that appears low-effort, generic, or devoid of meaning. One user mentioned that although they are “enjoying the Next Fest,” the overwhelming presence of “poor-quality AI slop games” is “incredible.” The user further cautioned that if tools for discovering quality titles do not improve, worthwhile games could easily get overlooked.

    Ongoing Issues

    It’s important to note that this concern is not entirely new. Reports indicate an increasing number of demos marked with Steam’s generative AI label. Valve implemented this disclosure to clarify when AI tools were utilized in various aspects like art, writing, or coding. Some estimates suggest that over 17% of demos in recent Next Fest events have included this tag. Gamers are witnessing that AI-driven games are no longer a niche category.

    Broader Implications

    Critics of the current landscape do not place all the blame solely on AI. Discussions on Steam’s boards are exploring the distinction between using AI tools and the larger issue of asset flips—games created from pre-existing components with minimal creative contribution. Some argue that merely labeling games as “AI used” does not tackle the fundamental problem of discoverability and curation on a platform with an almost endless array of listings.

    Previously, Valve’s AI disclosure policy has also sparked conversations beyond Steam Next Fest. For example, Epic Games’ CEO has openly questioned the merit of marking games for AI usage, suggesting that this practice may soon become outdated as these tools are widely available.

    Future of Game Development

    As we look ahead, it’s likely that these discussions will intensify, as finding a balance between transparency and quality is becoming more challenging on an open platform like Steam, especially with generative tools playing a more crucial role in game development.

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  • Key Steam Events for Gamers to Mark in 2026

    Key Steam Events for Gamers to Mark in 2026

    Key Takeaways

    1. Steam’s major sales align with the seasons, with summer and winter sales being the longest.
    2. Gamers can earn bonus items like emotes, wallpapers, or avatars during sales, which can be traded for Steam Points.
    3. Steam announced its event schedule for the latter half of the year, highlighting important sale dates.
    4. Smaller themed events occur throughout the year, such as Board Game Fest and Typing Fest.
    5. Steam Next Fest happens three times a year, focusing on free demos and previews rather than discounts.

    Steam users are always looking forward to certain weeks throughout the year. While discounts and free games are available all the time, the platform’s major sales really stand out. These events usually offer a huge selection of games, often including popular AAA titles at significant markdowns. The four biggest sales align with the changing seasons, with the summer and winter sales typically being the longest. Besides the price reductions, gamers can also snag bonus items like emotes, Steam wallpapers, or avatars, which can be exchanged for Steam Points.

    Event Schedule Announcement

    Recently, Steam announced its event schedule for the latter half of the year, which allows gamers to note down all the important dates in their calendars. The four main seasonal sales are set to happen during these weeks:

    Smaller Themed Events

    Alongside the four primary seasonal sales, Steam also organizes a range of smaller themed events throughout the year that focus on specific categories. For instance, the Board Game Fest, which features discounts on various digital board games, starts on January 26. Following that, Typing Fest kicks off in early February, concentrating on games that require keyboard skills. Another standout event is the Steam Next Fest, which will happen three times this year – in February, June, and October. Unlike other sales, this event doesn’t emphasize discounts but instead showcases free demos and previews from developers for upcoming games.

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  • Free Sci-Fi FPS Game with Space Battles at Steam Next Fest

    Free Sci-Fi FPS Game with Space Battles at Steam Next Fest

    Key Takeaways

    1. Jump Ship is a cooperative PVE roguelike FPS set in space, focusing on mission-based gameplay.
    2. Players can enjoy a free demo during Steam Next Fest from June 9 to June 16, featuring basic gameplay elements.
    3. The game encourages team play with flexible roles, resource management, and intense space dogfights, while primarily designed for groups of four.
    4. The aesthetic draws inspiration from games like Apex Legends and Halo, featuring polished graphics and vibrant visuals.
    5. Early development will include AI-generated text-to-speech for dialogue, which will later be replaced with professional voice acting.

    Jump Ship is an upcoming sci-fi game set in space, and its creators have some ambitious plans for this first-person shooter. The game revolves around mission-based cooperative PVE roguelike gameplay, where players jump into different runs, finish missions, and explore the vastness of space. Though there is no set release date yet, gamers can check out a free demo of Jump Ship on Steam during the Steam Next Fest. This demo will be accessible from June 9 to June 16, giving players ample time to familiarize themselves with the game.

    Exciting Features Await

    Jump Ship aims to offer more than just typical FPS action. Players can expect elements like resource management, crew maintenance, and intense dogfights in space. The developers plan for teams of four in the cooperative PVE gameplay, ensuring that everyone has something to do. Notably, Jump Ship does not feature fixed classes, allowing players to arrange and rearrange their roles and tasks freely. While there’s a solo mode available, the game is primarily designed for cooperative play, making solo play less appealing.

    Unique Gameplay Experience

    The mission-based structure of Jump Ship hints at a gameplay loop reminiscent of Warframe; however, players will seamlessly transition from piloting a ship to engaging in ground battles and aerial dogfights. Each mission will be handcrafted, but there seems to be procedural generation included to keep gameplay varied. Players can experiment with different ship setups and various upgrades to enhance their gaming experience.

    Visually Striking Design

    From the graphics perspective, Jump Ship appears to take inspiration from the sleek, futuristic aesthetics of games like Apex Legends and the Halo franchise. Overall, the visuals look polished, with the space sections showcasing stunning graphics, including breathtaking views of space and vibrant laser weapon blasts.

    The demo available during Steam Next Fest offers just a glimpse of what the game has in store, including a basic tutorial, “a few missions” within a single map area, limited ship upgrades to unlock, and “basic player and ship customisation.” Before this, only a small group of players were allowed access to the beta, which will likely return to that format after the Next Fest concludes. Players may have to wait until the summer for the Steam Early Access release to engage with the game more thoroughly, but luckily, it shouldn’t be too long of a wait.

    Future Developments

    It’s worth mentioning that the development team for Jump Ship has revealed that the early versions will utilize AI-generated text-to-speech for dialogue, but these placeholders will eventually be replaced by professional voice acting as the game progresses further in development.

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  • Among Us VR Transforms into 3D Game for PC Release

    Among Us VR Transforms into 3D Game for PC Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. Among Us 3D is set to launch this year on Steam for PC, with no specific release date yet.
    2. The existing Among Us VR will be rebranded as Among Us 3D, with a new name and logo.
    3. Among Us 3D will feature cross-play between PC gamers and various VR devices, but not with the classic 2D version.
    4. New features in Among Us 3D will include fresh styles, an in-game currency called Stardust, limited-time events, and a new game mode.
    5. A demo of Among Us 3D will be available during Steam Next Fest from February 24th to March 3rd, 2025, but will have limited features and be accessible only to players aged 16 and older.

    If you’ve always had a desire to experience the VR edition of Among Us due to its immersive first-person view but lack a suitable VR headset, you’re in for some great news. Innersloth, the team behind the beloved game, has shared plans to release a 3D version named Among Us 3D.

    Release Information

    While there isn’t a specific release date for Among Us 3D yet, it’s set to launch this year on Steam for PC users. Additionally, Innersloth plans to rebrand the existing Among Us VR, changing its name and logo to Among Us 3D in the next few months. This means players who already have the VR version will notice the new branding upon starting the game.

    Cross-Play Features

    This transformation of the VR edition will enable cross-play capabilities between PC gamers and VR users on devices like the Meta Quest 3S (priced at $299 on Amazon), Steam VR, PlayStation VR 2, and PICO. The classic 2D version will still be available, but it won’t support cross-play with the new 3D version.

    In connection with this announcement, Innersloth has also unveiled a teaser trailer for the upcoming release. Excitingly, the new Among Us 3D will introduce various new features such as fresh styles and cosmetics for the beans, an in-game currency dubbed Stardust, limited-time events, and an entirely new game mode.

    Demo Availability

    Moreover, a demo of the game is set to be showcased during Steam Next Fest. However, it’s important to note that this demo won’t include all the features and modes that will be available when the game officially launches, including cross-play. It will specifically be accessible to players aged 16 and older. The demo will run from February 24th to March 3rd, 2025.

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