The October 2024 Steam Next Fest free demo event is almost here, threatening every minute of our free time with hundreds of playable demos of upcoming games.
If you're a regular GamesRadar+ reader, you already know the drill. Steam Next Fest is held several times a year, we review the demos and tell you which ones are worth your time, and you, dear reader, simply play the ones you like the most.
But first you have to know when the event starts, and that is what brings us together today. Here are the Steam Next Fest dates and times for the October 2024 bonanza.
Steam Next Fest dates and times for October 2024
According to Valve, Steam Next Fest October 2024 starts on October 14 at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST. At that exact moment, expect a flood of demos to hit this page, all of which will be available to download for free. This is also when you'll want to start checking the GamesRadar+ homepage for coverage of October 2024's Steam Next Fest, as we'll be breathlessly highlighting our favorites from the event.
Steam Next Fest End Date for October 2024
Everything must come to an end, and that includes October 2024's Steam Next Fest. The event will run until October 21 at 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST. At that time, the event is officially It's over, but from experience it's not unusual to see the occasional demo stick around a little longer. That being said, if there's something you see and want to try, I recommend doing it within the event window.
What is Steam Next Fest?
If it wasn't already clear, Steam Next Fest is a triannual event where developers release free demos of their games. We cover them pretty extensively here because, frankly, the sheer number of demos can be overwhelming and we want to help you filter them into a more manageable selection of those you really shouldn't miss.
The event also includes opportunities for players to chat with developers and watch live streams; It's really just a big celebration of upcoming indie games. For its developers, it's a chance to get exposure and feedback from players, and for everyone else, well, it's free game demos! What more could you want?
For everything coming up, don't miss our complete guide to next games.