Enhance Your Game's Reach at October's Steam Next Fest | Developers Strategize Amid Low Wishlist Anxiety

As the October 2025 Steam Next Fest approaches, numerous developers are preparing to showcase their titles, despite ongoing concerns about low wishlist numbers and market saturation. Many are questioning if joining the festival is a worthy investment during this vital promotional period.

Developers Dive In

First-time participants are a common theme this year. Comments reflect a mix of excitement and apprehension: "Good luck! My first time as well!" and "I'm participating indeed and it's my first time; I have high hopes!" Such expressions reveal a motivating blend of hope and the daunting pressure of standing out in a crowded event.

One developer emphasized the need for visibility, stating, "We're participating with our game, Zombie Protocol. We just released the demo. All festivals aim to promote games." Others echoed this sentiment, emphasizing their commitment despite low wishlist counts.

The Push for Visibility

Amidst shifting marketing strategies, developers are exploring various ways to increase their profile. One marketing expert advises, "Release your demo 30 days before Next Fest. The more engagement you get, the higher you'll rank with influencers." Yet, many are grappling with reality checks, as low wishlist numbers can overshadow their efforts.

Some developers have set clear targets. One remarked, "Going in with a little over 30k wishlists. Hope to gain at least 10k based on research I did." Conversely, another pointed out the stark truth, "Most never reply back; I’m way off the 2000 wishlists required," highlighting the ongoing struggles of gaining recognition.

Elevated Engagement and Unique Promos

With engagement at the forefront, developers are not just releasing demos. Innovative promotional methods are in the mix. One developer plans to stream their experiences with demos, coining it as the "Steam NextFest Fun Around and Find Out" stream. They shared, "The ones that survive go on my wishlist," suggesting that this approach could enhance discoverability through live interactions.

Key Insights to Remember

• △ Many first-time developers are feeling both eager and uneasy about participation.

• ▽ Diverse strategies focusing on demo releases and active audience interaction are essential for visibility.

• ※ "We'll be there too. Our wishlists are still low and our time/budget are limited," another developer reiterated, underscoring the shared struggle for attention in a competitive arena.

As the festival nears, developers must adapt their strategies informed by community feedback and insights. Will their creativity carve out successful pathways through this bustling event? With only days to go, many are counting on their contributions to resonate amidst the uncertainty.