Tis the season to get your fill of new indies as the Xbox Indie Winter Game Fest demo event returns with 35 new games to try

What you need to know

It’s cold outside, so stay inside and try some exciting new game demos during the Xbox Indie Winter Game Fest.
The event will run from December 10 to December 31 and will include 35 game demos of upcoming, unreleased games for the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
The game demos included in the event are “Show floor demos” that may not be indicative of the final product, as some games featured are still early in development.
The demos are not a part of the regular Demo channel, and will only be available on the Xbox Dashboard during the event.

As someone who has spent countless hours exploring virtual worlds and lost track of time in the pursuit of digital victories, I find myself eagerly anticipating the Xbox Indie Winter Game Fest demo event. With a background that spans decades in gaming, from the humble beginnings of Atari to the current era of console dominance, this event promises to bring fresh, exciting experiences to my screen.

Outside, the chill of winter is biting, with icy winds whipping snowflakes every which way. It’s a splendid moment to unwind indoors, perhaps indulge in an engrossing game. Winter typically doesn’t boast a crowded gaming release calendar, but February seems to be an exception, flooded with new releases. If you’re seeking fresh gaming experiences this winter, the Xbox Indie Winter Game Fest demo event is the place to explore.

This year, the Winter Game Fest demo showcase begins on the Xbox Dashboard starting December 10 and continues until December 31. Throughout the event, more than 35 new demos will be added to the dashboard, showcasing upcoming games for both Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S systems. Although Xbox has not yet disclosed a complete list of indie developers participating in the event, an article on Xbox Wire hinted at some demos that will be accessible this month.

The Alters

11 Bit Studios’ eagerly awaited game The Alters is one of the demos you can experiment with this month. This sci-fi title combines adventure, survival, and base-building elements, placing players in the shoes of Jan Dolski, an ordinary laborer who unexpectedly finds himself stranded on a harsh planet. To stay alive, Jan must manufacture duplicates of himself, examining how the choices he made in the past have shaped him into the person he is now. Each duplicate, or Alter, possesses unique traits, temperaments, and motivations; however, to endure they will need to collaborate effectively.

The Alters has a 2025 release window and is heading to Xbox and PC Game Pass.

Cosmorons

At the upcoming event, Blind Squirrel Games plans to share a demo of their unique blend of retro-style and futuristic shooter game, Cosmorons. This action-packed title showcases a motley crew of characters armed with absurd weapons, causing havoc across the universe. As you progress through each new galaxy, the loot becomes more valuable but the obstacles grow tougher. Are you ready to rise to the challenge and claim victory over every system in your cosmos?

Section 13

In the lineup of demos I’ll be checking out is Section 13, a sci-fi mystery shooter by Kakao Games and Ocean Drive Studios, which was previously known as Blackout Protocol. This game seems to have quite the intrigue surrounding it, given its shift in name. As an observer, it appears to offer twin-stick roguelike shooter gameplay with high-intensity action, terrifying entities from other dimensions, and a secretive corporation that’s hellbent on keeping their secrets locked away within a clandestine facility. To me, it certainly feels like there are plenty of secrets hidden within its walls. The choice is yours: either stand your ground to fight or make a run for it. Should you manage to survive, consider yourself lucky. Section 13 is slated for release somewhere in the year 2025.

Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo

If you’re seeking a captivating 3D game set in Limbo where you interact with its inhabitants, then Kulebra and the Souls of Limbo could be your ideal introduction. These tormented souls are weighed down by profound regrets and condemned to replay the same day forever. However, by using your intelligence and keen eye for detail, you can collect hints about the unfortunate beings trapped here and potentially aid them in solving the enigma surrounding Limbo. Are you up for the challenge of lifting the curse that keeps these souls trapped in their endless cycles of suffering?

Only available for a limited time

Before diving into the indies on the horizon, it is worth remembering that many of these games are still in development, with some even earlier than others. The game you play during the demo event may not be indicative of the final product once the game is released.

Developers often delay making public demos until a game is nearly finished, using these demos as an approximation of what one might encounter at gaming exhibitions such as Gamescom. These demos, designed to be showcased on the event floor, may undergo significant changes before the final release.

During this special, time-limited event, demos will only be accessible. After Winter Game Fest ends, publishers and developers can opt to reshare their demos on the primary Demo channel, but some might decide to have their demo vanish once the event is over, at the end of the month. This event offers players an opportunity to offer feedback on the game during its early development stages, and it’s recommended that they engage with developers via social media or their official websites for constructive criticism.

At the Xbox Indie Winter Game Fest, demos are playable for free and can be added to your wishlist to receive a notification when the complete version becomes accessible. This special demo event is only available from December 10th through December 31st on the Xbox Dashboard.

2024-12-05 21:09