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Steam next fest kicks off: indie devs share success stories

Steam Next Fest Launches | Indie Devs Share Progress and Excitement

By

Dr. Alice Wong

Oct 14, 2025, 12:23 PM

Edited By

Sofia Zhang

2 minutes needed to read

A vibrant scene showcasing indie game developers at Steam Next Fest, excitedly discussing their games and sharing success stories, with banners and gaming displays in the background.

The Steam Next Fest kicked off recently, igniting enthusiasm among indie game developers. Participants are eager to showcase their demos and share their progress as they compete for visibility in a crowded market. The event runs during mid-October, right in the heart of the gaming community's attention.

Positive Vibes Amidst the Pressure

Many developers experience a mix of stress and excitement as they prepare to present their games. One developer commented on their project, The Abbess Garden, revealing theyโ€™ve amassed 4,050 wishlists and gained 10,000 impressions overnight. "I wish us all a lot of visibility!" they noted, emphasizing the importance of exposure during such events.

Spotlight on Game Details

The Abbess Garden is a cozy gardening simulator rich in historical elements, offering players unique features like:

  • Real plants

  • Deep gardening systems

  • Narratives involving spies, queer romance, and court drama

The competitive atmosphere is palpable as developers exchange results and encouragement. One comment captured the essence of support in this creative community: *"Best of luck to everyone!"

Community Engagement and Competition

Comments highlight varying degrees of success among participants. For instance, another developer reported their game Gridfall climbing from 83 to 162 wishlists within the first day, showcasing the fluctuating nature of interest during the festival. The excitement is contagious, as peers encourage one another in their quests for visibility.

"Thanks for the encouragement ๐Ÿ’– Your game looks very fun!" - a fellow developer's response reflects the camaraderie thriving in the indie space.

Key Highlights from the Event

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Developers are encouraged to share demo stats and wishlist numbers.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ Participants are actively supporting each other, fostering a close-knit community.

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ A range of wishlist counts emphasizes unique paths to success among several indie games.

As the festival continues, the gaming community watches with anticipation. Will these indie games capture players' hearts? Only time will tell as developers push their creative limits and eagerly await gamer feedback.

What Lies Ahead for These Indie Games?

Expect significant advancements for many of the indie games showcased at Steam Next Fest. There's a strong chance that successful titles, like The Abbess Garden, will quickly draw attention from publishers and players alike, potentially boosting their wishlist counts well beyond current numbers. Developers who engage actively in forums and community discussions may see improved visibility, leading to approximately a 20% increase in player interest. As feedback rolls in, those who adapt swiftly to critiques are likely to refine their launches and maximize their impact in the competitive landscape ahead.

A Past Insight on Similar Creative Waves

Consider the film festival circuits of the early 2000s, where indie filmmakers, much like today's game developers, sought to carve out a niche amidst Hollywood giants. Just as indie flicks often gained traction through community support and festival visibility, today's indie games thrive on shared successes. This parallel paints a picture of a determined community rallying around fresh ideas that can disrupt the norm, proving that both industries share a path marked by creativity, persistence, and the unwavering hope of capturing the audience's imagination.