Introduction to Steam Next Fest Changes
Five years after Valve kicked off the first Steam Game Festival—now known as Steam Next Fest—the company is making significant changes to how it handles game demos. In a recent blog post, Valve announced updates based on feedback trends from both developers and players. These changes aim to make demos more accessible and user-friendly.
New ‘Add to Library’ Button
One of the most notable updates is the introduction of the “add to library” button for demos. Previously, adding a demo to your Steam library required an immediate installation, which could be cumbersome. Now, like Steam’s free-to-play games, demos can be added to your library without the need to install them right away. This allows users to conveniently store demos in their games list for future access.
Standalone Store Pages for Demos
Another significant change is that demos can now have their own distinct store pages. Previously, demos were restricted to a small section on the full game’s page. With this update, developers can create dedicated pages to better describe the demo’s content, add separate screenshots, upload trailers, and specify supported features. This also allows demos to have their own user reviews and scores, making the evaluation process more transparent for potential players.
Enhanced Visibility and Notifications
Valve has also improved the visibility of demos on Steam’s front page. Demos will now appear under charts like “new and trending” or relevant tag and category pages. Additionally, changes have been made to the thresholds for free products to appear in these sections, ensuring a better balance with paid products. Finally, users can now receive notifications when demos become available for games on their wishlist or from developers they follow, keeping them informed about new releases and upcoming events.
Conclusion
These updates are set to enhance the overall user experience for both developers and players during Steam Next Fest. By making demos easier to find and manage, Valve is ensuring that users can explore new games more efficiently. As the next Steam Next Fest begins on October 14, players can look forward to a more streamlined and engaging demo experience.
