The Steam Next Fest countdown is well and truly on, as the start time for the demo extravaganza is less than 24 hours away.
Steam Next Fest is typically a week-long celebration of upcoming PC games headed to Valve's storefront. I personally show up for oodles of free demos, but you've also got dozens of livestreams going on and the chance to chat with developers about their games.
We get several editions of Steam Next Fest throughout the year, and the first Steam Next Fest for 2024 starts in February. The demos are bound to be plenty, though if you're looking for some recommendations, I've got my eye on this wholesome pixel art platformer that combines cooking with Metroidvania-style gameplay alongside this tactical RPG that has all the Final Fantasy Tactics and Fire Emblem vibes you could hope for.
If you're looking to join us in the demo mines, we've spelled out exactly when Steam Next Fest is due to release. We've got a countdown timer if you want to know how far away we are down to the second, and you'll find the start times below if that's what you'd prefer.
Steam Next Fest countdown
Steam Next Fest starts at the same time regardless of where you are, thankfully, so don't expect to be waiting around while everyone else is plowing through all the demos their SSD can manage.
Steam Next Fest start time
February 5
- 10am PST
- 1pm EST
- 6pm GMT
- 7pm CET
You may be facing a wait to dive into demos galore if you're over in the US and plan to work – somewhat productively – that day. Me? Over here in Merry Old England? I'll be there after work. Valve confirmed that this edition of Steam Next Fest will last seven full days, so the good news is that you'll have plenty of time to get your fix.
Here are more of the best upcoming games if you're looking for a bit of potential inspiration.
Hideo Kojima originally had "no plans" for a character like Metal Gear Solid's Cyborg Ninja until Yoji Shinkawa's art had him saying "hell yeah, a ninja cyborg!"
One of the most iconic D&D RPGs ever made stood out among Baldur's Gate and Fallout as it was the "first" to make companions "feel like fully functional parts of the story"
