Steamworks Documentation
Steam Next Fest
Steam Next Fest is a weeklong event focused on promoting upcoming games with playable demos.
The primary goal of Steam Next Fest is to connect players with upcoming games they might be interested in, while helping developers expose their future releases to potential fans and to gather real-time feedback along the way.
This page serves as a hub for evergreen information regarding Steam Next Fest which occurs three times a year, in February, June, and October. For the latest dates, please check out the Upcoming Steam Events page, or check out the individual Next Fest pages available on the table on the left.
Please note that there are no requirements regarding when your game releases (so long as it is after Next Fest), and that there are no requirements regarding exclusivity, newness, or length of demo.
Some developers will choose to participate in Next Fest early in their development cycle to learn more about what customers enjoy. Others will pick the one closest to launch in order to drum up interest in the game shortly before release. There's no right answer- join the Next Fest that makes the most sense for you and your title.
If you're still not able to find it, visit that Next Fest's documentation page for the direct link to that Next Fest's registration & appeals page.
Once you complete your registration checklist, be sure to save and confirm that your base game is registered for Next Fest. You should see a green checkmark on the App Landing Page.
Be sure to submit your demo store assets and build for review at least 3-5 business days ahead of your relevant deadline. It's important to give yourself extra time in case you fail build review the first time and have to resubmit.
Please note that build review is only to validate that the game has the features you've promised and it runs - it is not a full QA process, and will not catch or even look for most bugs. Be sure to do robust QA testing on your own!
As with build changes across all of Steam, you are welcome to make changes to your demo build after passing build review. However, we won't review your update, so make sure you don't ship a game-breaking bug.
Deadlines:
You can release your demo at any time once it has been reviewed and approved. We highly encourage you to release your demo at least 30 minutes before the start of Next Fest at the very minimum. This gives you time to make sure it's working properly and troubleshoot any issues before the event begins.
To be eligible, please complete the following before registration closes:
If we reach out about using your trailer, you will have approximately two weeks to give us permission. If you choose to be included, we will make use of a trailer that is publicly visible on your store page - we are not able to accept alternative videos. Be sure your most up-to-date marketing materials are visible on your game's store page prior to a given edition's registration deadline.
A few things to know about the press event:
If you're concerned about missing out on launch excitement if you release your demo early for the Press Preview, do remember that demos don't have the same level of launch visibility on Steam as a full game. That being said, we also can't guarantee whether any press will or will not play your demo. It's up to you and whether you feel you are ready to release the demo at this stage.
A Developer Preview Page will be available before the start of the event so you can see how the Fest will be organized and where your game is positioned within the Fest. We recommend checking this out, as it gives you time to make adjustments if you aren't satisfied with which section(s) your title appears in.
If you have issues with how your game is showing up on the Next Fest page once the event has begun, there are a few things you can check to determine the cause:
The intent behind Steam Next Fest is to give visibility to all participating titles; as such, the first days of Next Fest are completely randomized in all locations except for explicitly named lists and personalized segments, which are based on the user’s play behavior. After a few days, logged-in users will see the carousels personalized by an algorithm that’s based on user behavior during Next Fest. This allows us to deliver personalized recommendations based on what users like you have been playing.
A tutorial on streaming to your store page is available. If you plan on streaming your demo's gameplay, be sure to check out instructions on how to broadcast your demo - there are some specific things you need to complete on Steam. You'll want to test your livestream ahead of the start of Next Fest. Once you've tested your set-up and you've been able to stream to your game's store page, all you need to do is repeat that process during Next Fest itself.
If you have a VR game and would like to set up a livestream, there are additional factors to consider. Because of the way the SteamVR.exe service interacts with broadcasting, you'll need to use an external tool (such as OBS). That will give you the necessary control to configure your broadcast and let you point Steam directly at your game appID rather than SteamVR.exe. For more details, please see Setting Up A Stream.
Members of the Steam Team periodically hold live Q&A sessions for developers to ask questions about registering for and getting the most out of Steam Next Fest. Upcoming Q&A sessions are noted in the timelines for each edition, detailed in the event-specific documentation (accessible via the documentation table of contents to the left). Please access all previous session recordings via this YouTube playlist.
Q: I've changed my plans. How do I cancel my registration?
A: Just return to the registration page for your game by appending your appID to a given edition's registration opt-in URL (provided in the event-specific documentation) and deselect the checkbox at the very bottom of the page to remove your game from the event. You can also find the registration link on your app landing page.
Q: What happens if I end up releasing my game before or during a given edition of Steam Next Fest?
A: Only unreleased games are eligible to participate in Steam Next Fest. If you release your game prior to or during Steam Next Fest, your game will become ineligible and will not be included in the event at that point. Ideally, you'll withdraw your registration ahead of time so we don't expect you to be joining!
Q: Are Early Access or free games eligible to participate in Steam Next Fest?
A: Yes, however, only unreleased titles are eligible for Steam Next Fest. If you plan on entering Early Access or launching your game for free, that's fine, but the game must not yet be released to remain eligible for Next Fest.
Q: Why isn't my game listed as eligible to be registered?
A: Some common issues may prevent you from registering. Ensure that:
Q: I've heard of Steam Playtests. Are games that have had or currently have a Playtest available, eligible to participate in Steam Next Fest?
A: Yes, as use of a Steam Playtest does not affect eligibility. However, we do not recommend having a Playtest live during Steam Next Fest, as this splits your players between the two builds instead of concentrating them in one spot. As a demo is required for Next Fest, we would recommend pushing all your users towards your demo during the event.
Q: Can I submit a different version or edition of my game that already participated in a previous edition of Steam Next Fest?
A: No, you may not submit a different version or edition of a title that has previously participated in Steam Next Fest. Prologues, Chapter Ones, and other short-form previews of another title are also not allowed in Steam Next Fest. Please sign up with your base game.
Q: Can I submit a re-release of an existing Steam game?
A: Steam Next Fest is intended for new games that have never been released on Steam before. If you are releasing a new edition of an existing game, then your game is not eligible for Steam Next Fest.
Q: Can I release my demo before the start of Next Fest?
A: Yes, you can release your demo any time! Some choose to release the demo way in advance, some choose to set it live as the Press Preview begins, and others choose to set it live right as Next Fest begins. These are all valid strategies; pick the one that makes the most sense for your game.
Q: How long should I leave my demo up after Steam Next Fest ends?
A: While it's up to you to decide what works best for your release strategy, we encourage you to consider leaving your demo up beyond the conclusion of the Steam Next Fest you joined. Many players have expressed disappointment when demos disappear immediately, so communicate to players if you plan to deactivate your demo so they can prioritize playing it accordingly.
Q: When should I launch my demo?
A: It's up to you! Our only requirement is that it is before the start of the event. You might choose to set it live ahead of the Press Preview, or you might have some marketing beat that you'd like to hit ahead of the start of Next Fest. We do not require exclusivity or newness for your demo, so do what's right for your game and your plans.
Q: Can I update my demo after it goes through the review process?
A: Absolutely. We know you're still working on your game and demo and you are welcome to continue updating it even after it goes through the build review process. However, keep in mind we won't be doing another build review, so it's up to you to make sure you haven't broken your game.
Q: When can demo release notification emails be sent to wishlisters?
A: You get to press the button within 14 days of the launch of your demo. This is separate from Next Fest - so if you used it months prior to Next Fest, you do not get a second opportunity at the email.
Q: Can games be featured outside of Steam or the official trailer?
A: Yes, but we cannot promise that other outlets will write about Steam Next Fest or your title.
Q: Are there any paid advertising opportunities for Next Fest or on Steam in general?
A: No.
Q: How can I ensure I receive the relevant communications about Steam Next Fest?
In Steamworks:
In the Steam Store:
If you prefer to remain opted out of all communications, you may still participate in Steam Next Fest. However, the only indication of your eligibility for both the event overall and for the marketing materials permissions opt-in (if your game has been selected for potential inclusion in our official marketing materials as described above) will be via the options below:
Q: Can I have more than one trailer?
A: Yes. See Trailers for more details.
Q: What is a microtrailer and how is it created?
A: Microtrailers are 6-second looping videos that summarize a game's trailer for use in quick-view locations throughout the Steam Store, as in the various category hubs, special sale pages, and on the homepage during seasonal sales events. Steam generates a game's micro trailer based on the first video visible in its Store Page. It does this by taking six 1-second clips from various points in the video and stitching them together.
The primary goal of Steam Next Fest is to connect players with upcoming games they might be interested in, while helping developers expose their future releases to potential fans and to gather real-time feedback along the way.
This page serves as a hub for evergreen information regarding Steam Next Fest which occurs three times a year, in February, June, and October. For the latest dates, please check out the Upcoming Steam Events page, or check out the individual Next Fest pages available on the table on the left.
Table of Contents
Eligibility
Each edition of Steam Next Fest is open to upcoming unreleased games that meet all of the following criteria:- Has not previously joined a Next Fest; titles may only participate in ONE Next Fest
- Is associated with a Steamworks developer account(s) in good standing
- The base game store page must be published and public
- Will include a publicly playable demo by the time Next Fest begins
- Will not be released before Next Fest
- Is not a prologue, preview, or short-form version of an existing game already released on Steam
Please note that there are no requirements regarding when your game releases (so long as it is after Next Fest), and that there are no requirements regarding exclusivity, newness, or length of demo.
Some developers will choose to participate in Next Fest early in their development cycle to learn more about what customers enjoy. Others will pick the one closest to launch in order to drum up interest in the game shortly before release. There's no right answer- join the Next Fest that makes the most sense for you and your title.
Preparing For Next Fest
How Do I Register?
First things first: registration is done from the base game, and not the demo. For a majority of titles, registration will be automatically available on the base game's App Landing Page. If not, check out your dashboard for a link on how to either register or appeal for your game to join.If you're still not able to find it, visit that Next Fest's documentation page for the direct link to that Next Fest's registration & appeals page.
Once you complete your registration checklist, be sure to save and confirm that your base game is registered for Next Fest. You should see a green checkmark on the App Landing Page.
Workback Timeline
The timeline below is a general example of what to expect and prepare for once you have registered.| Countdown | Action |
|---|---|
| 5 weeks prior | The Developer Preview launches, so you can take a look at where your game will be categorized. |
| 4 weeks prior | If you plan on having a demo live for Press Preview, you must submit your demo build review by this time or risk missing the deadline. |
| 2 weeks prior | Your demo must be submitted for build review, or you risk missing the live event deadline. |
| 11 days before | Press Preview begins, where Press get an early look at participating titles. If your demo is live at this time, Press can play your publicly available demo. |
| 4 days before | The Next Fest trailer launches. |
| Launch Day | Next Fest begins! |
| 7 days after | Next Fest ends, and the Next Fest recap with the top demos goes live. |
Setting Up Your Demo
After registration, you'll need to set up your demo on Steam. This means setting up a demo type app, which is attached to your base game on Steam. For more information about creating, testing, and releasing a demo, please see the Demos documentation.Be sure to submit your demo store assets and build for review at least 3-5 business days ahead of your relevant deadline. It's important to give yourself extra time in case you fail build review the first time and have to resubmit.
Please note that build review is only to validate that the game has the features you've promised and it runs - it is not a full QA process, and will not catch or even look for most bugs. Be sure to do robust QA testing on your own!
As with build changes across all of Steam, you are welcome to make changes to your demo build after passing build review. However, we won't review your update, so make sure you don't ship a game-breaking bug.
If you publish a separate store page for your demo, be sure to go to the base game and republish so that the backend knows the two are related.
Deadlines:
- Submit your demo for review no later than 4 weeks prior to the Fest if you plan to release your demo before Press Preview.
- Submit your demo for review no later than 2 week prior to the Fest if you plan to release your demo before the start of Next Fest.
You can release your demo at any time once it has been reviewed and approved. We highly encourage you to release your demo at least 30 minutes before the start of Next Fest at the very minimum. This gives you time to make sure it's working properly and troubleshoot any issues before the event begins.
Being Included In The Trailer
To promote Steam Next Fest, our curation team selects a wide variety of games to feature in a video trailer that we share with Press, and post to our social media channels. Our team begins the selection process shortly after registration closes, and will notify potential candidates within one week. Our goal is to select a variety of games that represent the diverse genres, themes, artstyles, and scopes of games present within Next Fest.To be eligible, please complete the following before registration closes:
- Finish registration and ensure that you meet the general eligibility criteria
- Have at least one publicly visible trailer on your base game store page
- Be on track to publish a publicly playable demo by the start of Next Fest
- Review and update your store page with your latest assets, game descriptions, and tags
- Be confident that you are ready for this Next Fest and will not need to cancel your registration
If we reach out about using your trailer, you will have approximately two weeks to give us permission. If you choose to be included, we will make use of a trailer that is publicly visible on your store page - we are not able to accept alternative videos. Be sure your most up-to-date marketing materials are visible on your game's store page prior to a given edition's registration deadline.
Press Preview
Press Preview is a sneak peek of Next Fest that we send to select press outlets as an opportunity to explore the full list of registered games ahead of the official launch. The Press Preview page will give these outlets a chance to explore participating games and also allows press outlets to reach out if they’d like to learn more about your game, begin to draft their articles, and otherwise be prepared for the launch of Next Fest. Press will not have special access to your store page or your demo, so whatever the general public will see is what press will be able to see.A few things to know about the press event:
- Press Preview will include all games registered for Steam Next Fest regardless of current demo status. If you intend to cancel your registration, please do so prior to the start of Press Preview.
- Press will be free to cover the included games at any time, and in any format (write-up, video, etc.). Some may want to give players a preview of games they're excited about ahead of the start of Next Fest, though that has historically been uncommon.
- If you'd like your demo to be accessible by the press during this event, prepare and release your demo before the start of Press Preview. Please note that releasing your demo will make it playable for everyone on Steam, not just press.
- If you provided contact information for your game on the Steam Next Fest registration form, we'll share that information with press.
If you're concerned about missing out on launch excitement if you release your demo early for the Press Preview, do remember that demos don't have the same level of launch visibility on Steam as a full game. That being said, we also can't guarantee whether any press will or will not play your demo. It's up to you and whether you feel you are ready to release the demo at this stage.
Tips For A Successful Next Fest
Be sure to review the (ever-growing!) list of Steam Next Fest Tips and/or join a live Q&A session with members of the Steam Business Team (schedule provided in the timeline for each edition) to learn how to make the most of your participation in Steam Next Fest.During Next Fest
Game Visibility Within Next Fest
When you register your game for a given edition of Steam Next Fest, you will be asked to choose the one or two primary genres that best fit your base game. We use this information to help sort the location of your game within Next Fest, though the exact organization varies between each edition. However, we will always use your selection for the category as well as your Steam Tags to sort your title, so be sure those are accurate.A Developer Preview Page will be available before the start of the event so you can see how the Fest will be organized and where your game is positioned within the Fest. We recommend checking this out, as it gives you time to make adjustments if you aren't satisfied with which section(s) your title appears in.
If you have issues with how your game is showing up on the Next Fest page once the event has begun, there are a few things you can check to determine the cause:
- Ensure that your base game is properly registered and that you've selected one or two categories for your game on the registration form. You can also visit your game's Steam Next Fest registration page (link available in the respective edition's documentation page) to see a list of the categories and sections that your game is listed in.
- Make sure you have released your game demo before the start of the Fest. Only games with released demos will be eligible to appear.
- Make sure the store tags applied to your base game are accurate and complete. You may want to compare your store page tags with the categories and sub-categories listed within the Developer Preview Page and make any changes to your tags if necessary.
- If you've checked all of the above, please reach out to us here.
The intent behind Steam Next Fest is to give visibility to all participating titles; as such, the first days of Next Fest are completely randomized in all locations except for explicitly named lists and personalized segments, which are based on the user’s play behavior. After a few days, logged-in users will see the carousels personalized by an algorithm that’s based on user behavior during Next Fest. This allows us to deliver personalized recommendations based on what users like you have been playing.
Running A Livestream (Optional)
There is a section specifically for streams of participating games. This is an opportunity to stream your game so potential players can see what it's like to play your game and possibly interact with the developers behind the game. This is completely optional- if you do not have the experience or time to set up a livestream, it's fine to focus your energy on the demo experience and the game itself.A tutorial on streaming to your store page is available. If you plan on streaming your demo's gameplay, be sure to check out instructions on how to broadcast your demo - there are some specific things you need to complete on Steam. You'll want to test your livestream ahead of the start of Next Fest. Once you've tested your set-up and you've been able to stream to your game's store page, all you need to do is repeat that process during Next Fest itself.
If you have a VR game and would like to set up a livestream, there are additional factors to consider. Because of the way the SteamVR.exe service interacts with broadcasting, you'll need to use an external tool (such as OBS). That will give you the necessary control to configure your broadcast and let you point Steam directly at your game appID rather than SteamVR.exe. For more details, please see Setting Up A Stream.
After Next Fest
Steam Next Fest: Wrap-up & Results
Shortly after the most recent edition of Steam Next Fest concludes, Steam will launch a Wrap-up event page featuring games with the most played demos from that edition. We will be emailing titles that have earned a spot on that page, so be sure to keep an eye on your email after the event concludes.Frequently Asked Questions
Members of the Steam Team periodically hold live Q&A sessions for developers to ask questions about registering for and getting the most out of Steam Next Fest. Upcoming Q&A sessions are noted in the timelines for each edition, detailed in the event-specific documentation (accessible via the documentation table of contents to the left). Please access all previous session recordings via this YouTube playlist.
Registration & Eligibility Questions
Q: I've changed my plans. How do I cancel my registration?
A: Just return to the registration page for your game by appending your appID to a given edition's registration opt-in URL (provided in the event-specific documentation) and deselect the checkbox at the very bottom of the page to remove your game from the event. You can also find the registration link on your app landing page.
Q: What happens if I end up releasing my game before or during a given edition of Steam Next Fest?
A: Only unreleased games are eligible to participate in Steam Next Fest. If you release your game prior to or during Steam Next Fest, your game will become ineligible and will not be included in the event at that point. Ideally, you'll withdraw your registration ahead of time so we don't expect you to be joining!
Q: Are Early Access or free games eligible to participate in Steam Next Fest?
A: Yes, however, only unreleased titles are eligible for Steam Next Fest. If you plan on entering Early Access or launching your game for free, that's fine, but the game must not yet be released to remain eligible for Next Fest.
Q: Why isn't my game listed as eligible to be registered?
A: Some common issues may prevent you from registering. Ensure that:
- The store page for your game is published and visible to customers.
- The game you're attempting to register has not been in a previous Next Fest
- The release date of your game is not set to a date before the start of Next Fest.
Q: I've heard of Steam Playtests. Are games that have had or currently have a Playtest available, eligible to participate in Steam Next Fest?
A: Yes, as use of a Steam Playtest does not affect eligibility. However, we do not recommend having a Playtest live during Steam Next Fest, as this splits your players between the two builds instead of concentrating them in one spot. As a demo is required for Next Fest, we would recommend pushing all your users towards your demo during the event.
Q: Can I submit a different version or edition of my game that already participated in a previous edition of Steam Next Fest?
A: No, you may not submit a different version or edition of a title that has previously participated in Steam Next Fest. Prologues, Chapter Ones, and other short-form previews of another title are also not allowed in Steam Next Fest. Please sign up with your base game.
Q: Can I submit a re-release of an existing Steam game?
A: Steam Next Fest is intended for new games that have never been released on Steam before. If you are releasing a new edition of an existing game, then your game is not eligible for Steam Next Fest.
Q: Can I release my demo before the start of Next Fest?
A: Yes, you can release your demo any time! Some choose to release the demo way in advance, some choose to set it live as the Press Preview begins, and others choose to set it live right as Next Fest begins. These are all valid strategies; pick the one that makes the most sense for your game.
Demo Questions
Q: How long should I leave my demo up after Steam Next Fest ends?
A: While it's up to you to decide what works best for your release strategy, we encourage you to consider leaving your demo up beyond the conclusion of the Steam Next Fest you joined. Many players have expressed disappointment when demos disappear immediately, so communicate to players if you plan to deactivate your demo so they can prioritize playing it accordingly.
Q: When should I launch my demo?
A: It's up to you! Our only requirement is that it is before the start of the event. You might choose to set it live ahead of the Press Preview, or you might have some marketing beat that you'd like to hit ahead of the start of Next Fest. We do not require exclusivity or newness for your demo, so do what's right for your game and your plans.
Q: Can I update my demo after it goes through the review process?
A: Absolutely. We know you're still working on your game and demo and you are welcome to continue updating it even after it goes through the build review process. However, keep in mind we won't be doing another build review, so it's up to you to make sure you haven't broken your game.
Marketing & Press Preview Questions
Q: When can demo release notification emails be sent to wishlisters?
A: You get to press the button within 14 days of the launch of your demo. This is separate from Next Fest - so if you used it months prior to Next Fest, you do not get a second opportunity at the email.
Q: Can games be featured outside of Steam or the official trailer?
A: Yes, but we cannot promise that other outlets will write about Steam Next Fest or your title.
Q: Are there any paid advertising opportunities for Next Fest or on Steam in general?
A: No.
Q: How can I ensure I receive the relevant communications about Steam Next Fest?
In Steamworks:
- If you're a member of multiple Steamworks partners, make sure you have the correct partner selected at the top of the Steamworks website.
- Ensure you have at least one account with "Receive Steamworks communications" enabled. You can edit per user here: https://partner.steamgames.com/pub/users/ Note that accounts with this permission setting must also have completed or must newly complete the additional confirmation request sent via email authentication in order to fully enable permission.
In the Steam Store:
- Have relevant users verify their personal email opt-in/out settings and ensure "New Steamworks features are announced or sales events are available" is selected here: https://store.steampowered.com/account/emailoptout
If you prefer to remain opted out of all communications, you may still participate in Steam Next Fest. However, the only indication of your eligibility for both the event overall and for the marketing materials permissions opt-in (if your game has been selected for potential inclusion in our official marketing materials as described above) will be via the options below:
- Access the registration page for your game by appending your appID to a given edition's registration opt-in URL (provided in the event-specific documentation).
- Check for the opt-in on your base game's App Admin page (in the Marketing Tools & Data section): https://partner.steamgames.com/apps/landing/<appID>
Trailer Questions
Q: Can I have more than one trailer?
A: Yes. See Trailers for more details.
Q: What is a microtrailer and how is it created?
A: Microtrailers are 6-second looping videos that summarize a game's trailer for use in quick-view locations throughout the Steam Store, as in the various category hubs, special sale pages, and on the homepage during seasonal sales events. Steam generates a game's micro trailer based on the first video visible in its Store Page. It does this by taking six 1-second clips from various points in the video and stitching them together.
