Steam Next Fest (SNF), the event showcasing demos for a wide variety of new games, kicked off on the 16th (KST). While typical online game events are limited to trailers or developer interviews, SNF allows you to play demos for every participating game. It’s not just about flashy visuals; you get to actually play the games and experience them firsthand.

The challenge is that there are over 4k games participating in SNF, meaning the number of games you can enjoy during the one-week event is limited. Conversely, the fact that so many players are flocking to it shows that even short demo experiences can be plenty of fun. Here is a quick summary of the demos receiving the most attention on day one.

■ Iron Nest: Heavy Turret Simulator | ▶Video

Iron Nest is a heavy artillery game where you operate massive war machines. While it might seem similar to typical tank or robot piloting games, the player's view is entirely from inside the machine. You must measure coordinates, load shells for air support, and manually operate various controls—such as angles—from within the cockpit to ensure your shots hit the target. In particular, the retro, diesel-punk control scheme, which involves pulling and turning levers, has been praised for providing a unique and engaging experience.

■ Mistfall Hunter | ▶Video

Mistfall Hunter, a third-person extraction action RPG, is the title Steam has highlighted as the most anticipated game in this edition of Steam Next Fest. With its sword-and-magic combat, diverse character classes, and distinct dark fantasy world, it has garnered attention as the extraction action version of Elden Ring. This test version adds a new class, the Forsaken Knight, and a new map, the Sacred Tree Forest. Since demo builds are usually created separately, they don't fully reflect the current state of development. However, with the official release just around the corner on July 30, the content and polish revealed in this open beta offer a good glimpse of what to expect from the final game.

■ Echoes of Aincrad | ▶Video

A new action RPG based on the Sword Art Online IP. With the release set for July 10, progress made in this demo will carry over to the full version on the same platform. The game features a setup where you experience the Aincrad death game as a new original avatar instead of Kirito. You can also check out the emphasized cooperative combat system with partner NPCs.

■ Mpulse | ▶Video

A new title from 1047 Games, the studio behind Splitgate, which gained significant attention as a high-speed shooter featuring portal mechanics. While this is another 6v6 shooter that emphasizes fast-paced action, it now fills that need for speed with physical character movements like wall-running, grappling, and mid-air jumps. Releasing on June 25, the game will be a full-purchase title without an in-game store, battle pass, or microtransactions, learning from the failures of Splitgate 2.

■ Kingdom Rush 6: Genesis | ▶Video

The latest entry in the flagship mobile game series from Ironhide Game Studio. This prequel explores the history of the series' main villain, Vez'nan, before he was corrupted by darkness. The demo version allows players to experience 4 out of the 18 total stages.

■ Order of the Sinking Star | #13_Video

This is the latest title from Jonathan Blow, who earned acclaim for the impressive settings and fitting puzzles in games like Braid and The Witness. It is his first release in about a decade since The Witness. The game features a structure where over 1k puzzles interlock, and a design where four distinct worlds, each with its own unique mechanics, intersect and collide. Blow himself has described the game as 'the most ambitious project of my career.'

■ Mortal Shell 2 | ▶Video

The sequel to Mortal Shell, a Soulslike game that left a strong impression with its gloomy world-building and combat-level design. There are 9 characters in total, each with a different playstyle, and players can try out 2 of them in the demo. Additionally, demo players can receive a special cosmetic item, the Forerunner skin.

■ 1666: Amsterdam | ▶Video

1666: Amsterdam is a new IP reclaimed after a long legal battle by Patrice Désilets, the creative director who laid the foundation for the Assassin's Creed Series. Set in 17th-century Amsterdam, it deals with a dark fantasy story about tracking down evil spirits hiding among humans. Following its reveal at Summer Game Fest 2026, it has garnered high interest and ranked near the top of the popular demo charts at this SNF. However, the reception is mixed due to issues with the lack of combat, control feel, and optimization.

In addition to these, many new titles from domestic studios and publishers are participating in the June edition of SNF.

You can try out several games directly on Steam, including: 'Dragon Sword: Awakening,' which is finally launching its own package version after many twists and turns; 'Freestyle Football 2,' a 5v5 soccer game that has climbed the demo charts with its exhilarating action and diverse skills; 'Zenonia 1,' which brings the nostalgia of the feature-phone era to Steam; 'Death at Fleming Manor,' a forensic mystery adventure where you record and interpret the state of corpses; 'Stepper Retro,' the latest in Team Tetrapod's popular series known for its clever use of superpowers and solid storytelling; and 'Fading Echo,' where you explore the world through organic interactions by controlling the protagonist, Won, who can transform into water droplets and steam. You can also check out 'Void Diver,' an isometric extraction RPG that has attracted early interest.

ISSUE | Today's News

■ Issue | 1 Million Yesterday, 2 Million Today: Mecha Chameleon Sales Gain Momentum

Mecha Chameleon, a hide-and-seek battle game where you paint your body to blend into surrounding objects or scenery like a chameleon to hide from the seeker, has announced 2 million copies sold. This milestone was achieved just 6 days after launch. Notably, since they announced 1 million sales just a day prior, they sold an additional 1 million copies in a single day. The game's camouflage mechanic, which allows players to blend into the background, has been praised as streaming-friendly content, sparking an explosive reaction. With this performance, it is continuing to set impressive records in sales, ranking 1st in domestic popularity and 2nd in global popularity.

NEW | Upcoming Releases & Updates

■ Release | Stellaris: Nomad

Paradox's space-themed sci-fi strategy game Stellaris has returned to the top of the popularity charts after a long time with its new expansion, Nomad. The 11st major expansion, Nomad, was released alongside the 4.4 'Pegasus' patch. While the core of the game has traditionally been about building your own territory through conquest and planetary colonization—fitting for a 4X grand strategy game—Nomad shifts the focus to wandering the galaxy centered around the 'Ark Ship,' a massive mobile base. The Ark Ship features three specialized classes—Military, Science, and Civilian—and various new mechanics tailored to different playstyles have been added.

■ Update | Dead by Daylight

Dead by Daylight held a fan event on the 14th (local time) to celebrate its 10th anniversary and reveal its future roadmap. Along with various updates, a game engine and visual overhaul were announced for 2027. With this wealth of content and the symbolic significance of the 10th anniversary, interest in the game has reignited. In addition to characters already in the game, such as Leatherface from The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street, Jason from the Friday the 13rd series—considered an iconic horror movie character—is being added. Although his arrival was delayed due to various licensing issues and the name 'Friday the 13rd' cannot be used, Dead by Daylight's surge to the top of the global popularity charts following the 10th-anniversary announcement suggests that its success will likely continue for some time with Jason in the mix.