We’ve watched the press conferences. Some of them, anyway. The PC Gaming Show, the Guerrilla Collective, Sony’s PlayStation 5 reveal, it’s been a busy week for Fake E3 2020. Now it’s time for the demos. The third iteration of Steam’s Game Festival kicks off at the moment with…I don’t know, perhaps 100 video games? More? And all of them free to check out from now till June 22.
I’m struggling to place a quantity on it as a result of that is the largest Steam Game Festival by far. The first, coinciding with the Game Awards final December, featured a few dozen video games. The second, which changed GDC, touted 40—however nonetheless largely indie video games.
But this, the Steam Summer Game Festival, is way meatier. Sure, there are nonetheless loads of (unbelievable) indie video games to demo, together with Inkle’s newest venture Pendragon, raccoon noir thriller Backbone, a SkateBIRD reprise, Stronghold: Warlords, and some of my favourite trailers this week like Roki, Haven, and Ghostrunner.
For the primary time although, Valve additionally obtained one of many main publishers onboard. It’s a minor-major writer, and extra of a token presence—however hey, it’s a begin. THQ Nordic’s included demos for each Desperados III (which can be out at the moment) and the upcoming Destroy All Humans! remake, whereas below the Deep Silver label you’ll discover alt-history technique sport Iron Harvest as nicely.
It’s no E3 alternative. With no correct in-person occasion this summer season, I’d hoped Valve may get Ubisoft, Bethesda, EA, and even Microsoft to take part within the Summer Games Festival. Evidently we’re nonetheless not at that time—whether or not as a result of builders are too apprehensive about letting demos out within the wild or as a result of they merely didn’t plan for it early sufficient this yr, I don’t know.
Still, it’s sufficient video games to maintain you occupied for your complete week after which some. Valve’s additionally organized for streams and interviews with the builders, so if there’s a sport you’re notably curious about, take a look at the schedule. And have enjoyable. Demos are uncommon nowadays. Take this opportunity to obtain and check out one thing you’d by no means danger shopping for normally. Maybe you’ll fall in love.
