Steam Next Fest 2027: dates, deadlines and how to prepare your demo

Your game gets one appearance. Choose the edition your demo can actually deliver on.

Steam Next Fest can bring players to your game. Keeping them interested starts before the event.

Valve lists February 22 to March 1 for the February 2027 edition. Registration closes January 10 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The June edition runs June 14–21, with registration closing April 25 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

Each game can participate once. Choose by readiness, then work backward.

Test your demo with people who haven't seen the project. Watch where they hesitate, quit or miss the hook. Fix those moments before spending money to attract more players.

Your store page needs to support that experience: clear gameplay, accurate tags and screenshots that explain what players do. End the demo with a straightforward wishlist prompt.

Track wishlists, feedback and engagement separately. The useful question is what made people want more, and what stopped everyone else. Check out the events page for more updates.