# next fest — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 14 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover next fest. Page: Feed: --- ## [Tabletop Tavern](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/08/19/tabletop-tavern/) _2026-08-19 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ Do you like real-time tactics in the same vein of the battles in the Total War series? How about roguelikes where each run is different? If yes, Tabletop Tavern is a game you should check out. ## [Tao Feng: Fist of the Lotus Review](https://loadlastsave.substack.com/p/tao-feng-fist-of-the-lotus-review) _2026-08-19 · Roger Renfro · Load Last Save_ Slouching tiger ## [China's Big Bet on AI for Games](https://naavik.substack.com/p/chinas-big-bet-on-ai-for-games) _2026-08-18 · Naavik · Naavik_ Is China going to continue to push boundaries and invest heavily in unproven, forward-looking applications? ## [Eldritch Empathy Interview: LUAL Games on Lovecraft, Empathy, and “Combat” Inspired by Papers, Please](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/16/eldritch-empathy-interview/) _2026-08-16 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Eldritch Empathy is a Lovecraftian narrative roguelite where understanding cosmic horrors might be more important than killing them. I spoke with LUAL Games' Anna-Lena Pontet at Gamescom about empathy, language, player agency, and the game's unusual Papers, Please-inspired "combat." ## [H1 2026: 4X Strategy’s UA Reckoning](https://naavik.substack.com/p/h1-2026-4x-strategys-ua-reckoning) _2026-08-15 · Naavik · Naavik_ How tougher UA economics could force mobile F2P's largest subgenre to evolve again. ## [Silent Chicken – On-site Interview (2025)](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/08/12/silent-chicken-on-site-interview-2025/) _2026-08-12 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ In Easter 2025 I took a trip to Bologna and met with Paolo Zito, the solo dev behind Silent Chicken, where we chatted about the then upcoming Sliding Hero! ## [stuff from my Steam personalized calendar for the rest of August](https://indiehellzone.com/2026/08/09/stuff-from-my-steam-personalized-calendar-for-the-rest-of-august/) _2026-08-09 · scitydreamer · Indie Hell Zone_ I don t really write about new releases that much. A large reason why is that I never know what to focus on. What deserves attention, and what doesn t? Thankfully, Steam stepped up a bit ago with a personal calendar on its front page, which highlights upcoming new games to the tastes of the user. So, \[ \] ## [Yashi – Sand Driver Announced by Zefyr: A Thief’s Melody Developer Oneiric Worlds](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/07/yashi-sand-driver-announced/) _2026-08-07 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ French solo developer Oneiric Worlds just announced their new upcoming cozy desert road trip, Yashi - Sand Driver! ## [What does “Digga” mean? A German citizen explains](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/06/digga/) _2026-08-06 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ "Digga, läuft bei dir" ## [Videos, Podcasts, and More Updates](https://wavelengths.online/posts/videos-podcasts-and-more-updates) _2026-08-06 · Wavelengths_ Hello! I have had a lot going on recently so I thought the best thing to do would be to wrap it all up in one place. Here’s what I’ve been up to in the past week: Onimusha: Way of the Sword Preview I had the opportunity to go hands-on with the first Onimusha game in 20 years and walked away stoked for the full release. It still retains a lot of PS2 energy (complimentary) but also modernizes its… ## [Stream Torrents & IPTV Instantly (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/e7hePTeFz3qW) _2026-08-06 · **Sponsored**_ Search magnet links and stream movies, music, books, and live TV in-browser ## [Yet another introduction: What is Indiecator, who the fuck is Magi, and also some updates and music to vibe to](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/05/yet-another-introduction/) _2026-08-05 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Hello, I'm Magi, and I blog sometimes. (lol) ## [Tormentum – Dark Sorrow](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/08/05/tormentum-dark-sorrow/) _2026-08-05 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ Do you like dark visual experiences inspired by artists like H. R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński? How about point and click adventures with a lot of puzzles and moral choices? If yes, then Tormentum is a game for you. ## [Inside Meshy's $400M Raise for 3D Assets](https://naavik.substack.com/p/inside-meshys-400m-raise-for-3d-assets) _2026-08-04 · Naavik · Naavik_ How close are AI-generated 3D assets to real production pipelines? And what does the wider pattern of mega-raises mean for the AI-in-gaming ecosystem? ## [Cuisineer Review – A Cozy Restaurant Sim and Action RPG Worth Savouring](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/04/cuisineer-review/) _2026-08-04 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Venture into dungeons to gather ingredients and cook up a storm in your restaurant to pay off a lot of Debt! ## [Copa City Review: Prepare the City for the Sport in this Soccer Management Tycoon](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/03/copa-city-review/) _2026-08-03 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ When it clicks, Copa City is fun, but often times, it struggles to get there. ## [Celestial Decks Review: Deep Deckbuilding, Mind Games, and Stunning Art](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/02/celestial-decks-review/) _2026-08-02 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Celestial Decks' Beta is perhaps one of the most refreshing takes on the CCG genre I've gotten to experience in recent years! ## [Demo Pack Season Returns! 22 Essential Demos to Try in 2026](https://dustygamer.substack.com/p/demo-pack-season-returns-22-essential) _2026-08-01 · Dusty Gamer · Dusty Gamer's Substack_ Demo Pack Season is here! Discover 22 standout indie demos, featuring cozy occult shops, Mac-friendly gems, and tactile first-person oddities. ## [July 2026 movie/music/etc recap](https://patayoh.bearblog.dev/july-2026-recap/) _2026-08-01 · patayoh · patayoh's little corner ☕_ Another busy July on my end, even if I got some vacations during that month. Though most of the reason why was Artfight! Which got an extension until tomorrow because of downtime at the start of the event. I'll be soon free of this drawing hell (positive). I'm joking but I genuinely love this event for the main reason that it makes me draw a lot, which is something I don't do anymore outside of… ## [It’s Blaugust again! – My plans for this year’s event!](https://indiecator.org/2026/08/01/blaugust-2026-my-plans-for-this-years-event/) _2026-08-01 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ So many plans, so little spoons... ## [H1 2026: Mobile Gaming’s Stability Illusion](https://naavik.substack.com/p/h1-2026-mobile-gamings-stability) _2026-07-30 · Naavik · Naavik_ What is driving the downloads dip? And what can we expect for H2? ## [Stream Torrents and IPTV Instantly (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/D1Rqp5ZLiixa) _2026-07-30 · **Sponsored**_ Search, index, and play music, movies, books, and live TV in your browser. ## [July 2026 Update](https://obspogon.neocities.org/blog/posts/july-2026-update/) _2026-07-30 · Obspogon's Zone Blog_ ## [Enoch – Interview](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/07/29/enoch-interview/) _2026-07-29 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ I had played the demo of what is now Enoch, and really loved it. Now I had the opportunity to chat with the main dev of the project, Nicolas Dekaise. Take a look! ## [Blaugust 2026 and AI](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/27/blaugust-2026-and-ai/) _2026-07-27 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Just sharing my two cents on the new policy for Blaugust 2026 and asking folks to abide one simple rule: Don't be a dick. ## [Runescape: Dragonwilds Isn’t An MMO. Maybe It Should Be?](https://wavelengths.online/posts/runescape-dragonwilds-isnt-an-mmo-maybe-it-should-be) _2026-07-23 · Wavelengths_ \[YouTube embed\] Runescape: Dragonwilds developer Jagex seems excited about breaking free from their MMO roots with this new survival crafting entry in the long-running franchise. To quote Creative Director Rick... ## [The Fun/Effort Compass](https://loadlastsave.substack.com/p/the-funeffort-compass) _2026-07-22 · Roger Renfro · Load Last Save_ Even more ways to quantify fun. ## [The State of AI for Game QA](https://naavik.substack.com/p/the-state-of-ai-for-game-qa) _2026-07-21 · Naavik · Naavik_ How mature is the technology? And what will the next unlocks mean for the discipline? ## [Volcano Princess Launches on Consoles & Mobile July 30th, New Free Update for the Steam Version on the Horizon!](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/21/volcano-princess-consoles-mobile-new-free-update/) _2026-07-21 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Volcano Princess is not only seeing a port to mobile and consoles but also is getting a free updated with more content, revisions to its translations, and new language options. ## [Blaugust 2026 is Coming!](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/20/blaugust-2026-is-coming/) _2026-07-20 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Blaugust 2026 is on the event horizon and it's gonna be stellar! ## [How long is too long to spend on your indie game?](https://gamemarketing.substack.com/p/how-long-is-too-long-to-spend-on-6e0) _2026-07-19 · Cole · Game Marketing Intel_ Why it's better to focus on small games [Listen](https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/207615231/9e52d47d2adbda19341dcd5eb7127c8a.mp3) ## [Denshattack! Review – Tony Hawk Meets Trains in One of the Weirdest Indie Games of the Year](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/15/denshattack-review/) _2026-07-15 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Tony Hawks but Trains! Tony Hawks but Trains! Tony Hawks but Trains! Tony Hawks but Trains! Tony Hawks but Trains! Tony Hawks but Trains! ## [Sync bookmarks across every browser (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/w7dchiy0JTrH) _2026-07-15 · **Sponsored**_ Two-way sync across Chrome, Firefox and Safari; built-in ad and tracker blocker. ## [Gaming on a Budget: The Broke Gamer Survival Guide](https://loadlastsave.substack.com/p/gaming-on-a-budget-the-broke-gamer) _2026-07-15 · Roger Renfro · Load Last Save_ This article is a recession indicator. ## [🎙️ I was on DLC this week!](https://wavelengths.online/posts/i-was-on-dlc-this-week-hey-all-this-week) _2026-07-13 · Wavelengths_ Hey all! This week I joined Jeff Cannata and Christian Spicer for an episode of DLC primarily focused on the layoffs at Xbox. It’s a heavy topic, and one I... ## [Demon Lord: Just a Block Review – A Traditional Roguelike That Barely Feels Turn-Based](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/12/demon-lord-just-a-block-review/) _2026-07-12 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ Demon Lord: Just a Block is a fun, colourful, and accessible entry into the usually grim and excruciatingly difficult genre of traditional roguelikes. ## [Goodbye, Bel](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/09/goodbye-bel/) _2026-07-09 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ The world feels quieter without him. ## [The Fire Nobody Started](https://indiehellzone.com/2026/07/08/the-fire-nobody-started/) _2026-07-08 · scitydreamer · Indie Hell Zone_ A fire burns throughout the history of the western world. The light can be comforting… as long as you re not in the way of the spreading flame. Can anything be done? Who knows? All you can do is bear witness. Just enjoy the ride. The Fire Nobody Started is a 2025 visual novel by Team \[ \] ## [Shadows of Forbidden Gods](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/07/08/shadows-of-forbidden-gods/) _2026-07-08 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ Have you ever thought about being the orchestrator of a cult of an Elder God? How about playing a deep turn-based experience of intrigue and subterfuge? If yes, then Shadows of Forbidden Gods is a game you should check out. ## [Steam Next Fest's AI Problems](https://naavik.substack.com/p/steam-next-fests-ai-problems) _2026-07-07 · Naavik · Naavik_ What is Steam Next Fest's relevance and where does AI-enabled content actually stand today? ## [What actually predicts Next Fest success?](https://gamemarketing.substack.com/p/what-actually-predicts-next-fest) _2026-07-03 · Cole · Game Marketing Intel_ CCU may be the biggest indicator [Listen](https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/204946446/729e7706c9a8a79fca2bc13feef01334.mp3) ## [June 2026 movie/music/etc recap](https://patayoh.bearblog.dev/june-2026-recap/) _2026-07-01 · patayoh · patayoh's little corner ☕_ Not to add to the Europeans complaining about the heatwave pile but fucking hell that was a shitty time to live through, even if I'm lucky because we didn't have the worst temp where I live (the highest we got was around 37°C). I'm just glad it didn't last longer because the house was slowly but surely picking up the heat and the walls started to get warm when it stopped. But at least this morning… ## [These AI-free Indie Game Demos Earned an Instant Wishlist](https://indiecator.org/2026/07/01/ai-free-indie-game-demos/) _2026-07-01 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ One in five games at Steam Next Fest included AI. Luckily, this list is completely free of that slop. ## [Cryohazard](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/07/01/cryohazard/) _2026-07-01 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ Do you like simple roguelikes with turn based combat? How about creepy pixel-visuals and stories? If yes, Cryohazard might be a game you'd be interested in. ## [Talking About Tower Defense Games (on Armor Games)](https://loadlastsave.substack.com/p/talking-about-tower-defense-games) _2026-07-01 · Roger Renfro · Load Last Save_ Interrupting orcs on their walks ## [1bitHeart](https://indiehellzone.com/2026/06/29/1bitheart/) _2026-06-29 · scitydreamer · Indie Hell Zone_ A big piece of technology that redefined the world has issues attached to it. Huh? No, I m not talking about AI crap, but good god am I waiting for something beautiful to happen. No, in this fictional world, everyone has BitPhones, an advanced technology that people integrated in themselves. Unfortunately, there are hackers going around \[ \] ## [The Ultimate Steam Next Fest Wrap-Up: The Algorithm Did Not Want You To See This](https://dustygamer.substack.com/p/the-ultimate-steam-next-fest-wrap) _2026-06-27 · Dusty Gamer · Dusty Gamer's Substack_ Four thousand indie developers walked into a room, and a banana won. ## [9-year Anniversary](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/06/27/9-year-anniversary/) _2026-06-27 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ Greetings and salutations! We reached the 9th year since the start of the blog way back in 2017. As always, I would like to take a step back and go through some stats for the blog, see what we managed to achieve through some highlights. Join me in this trip down memory lane! ## [Dead as Disco Early Access Review – All the Right Moves, Not Enough Rhythm](https://indiecator.org/2026/06/25/dead-as-disco-early-access-review/) _2026-06-25 · MagiWasTaken · Indiecator_ "Martial arts meets Music Video in Dead as Disco", the developers claim, but not everything is as it seems. More on that in today's review! ## [Steam NextFest June 2026 special](https://lgreviewers.substack.com/p/steam-nextfest-june-2026-special) _2026-06-25 · Lewd Games Reviewers · Lewd Games Reviewers_ Short reviews of the games I played during the event ## [Steam Next Fest: Meaningless Random Numbers, South of the March, Rizz Dungeon](https://indiehellzone.com/2026/06/25/steam-next-fest-meaningless-random-numbers-south-of-the-march-rizz-dungeon/) _2026-06-25 · scitydreamer · Indie Hell Zone_ Summer Next Fest may be over and the steam sale may be upon us, but I m due to make at least one more post on things featured in Next Fest. The first thing I checked out was something that I was surprised I didn t check out earlier. You know that I m open about my love \[ \] ## [Mechanis Obscura – Interview](https://indiegamepicks.wordpress.com/2026/06/24/mechanis-obscura-interview/) _2026-06-24 · Zaratoth · Indie Game Picks_ I first came across Mechanis Obscura last year at the Hellenic Game Awards and got blown away by its quality. Since then, I've been in touch with its dev, Konstantinos Klimantakis, and when I heard that the game is about to get its first public demo, I immediately scheduled an interview about the project! Take a look! ## [Roller Drome: You Should Play It.](https://loadlastsave.substack.com/p/roller-drome-you-should-play-it) _2026-06-24 · Roger Renfro · Load Last Save_ Skate and Destroy