Steam Next Fest June 2023 Games to Look Out For

Our team had a blast testing out the top games during the Steam Next Fest June edition this week. It's hard to pick just one favorite as each game is so unique and exciting in its own way. But, as always, we've got you covered with our top picks to look forward to.

Little Kitty, Big City

Are you a cat lover? Then you'll love Little Kitty, Big City! This exciting Indie game from Double Dagger Studio is all about a lost cat's journey finding its way back home. Along the way, you'll meet other animals and engage in all sorts of cat shenanigans, like knocking things over, stealing food, and playing in boxes. You'll explore the open-world city at your own pace, helping your animal friends complete quests as you go. One of your new friends will be a crow, and together, you'll keep the city safe by collecting shiny things. The crow will definitely dispose of the shiny objects.... or maybe they'll keep them. Other animal friends you make will teach you a skill, like how to catch and release a bird. While exploring the city, you will find gachapon-like capsules that contain cute hats! These hats will take the cat to the next level of cuteness if that's even possible. The game's anticipated release is sometime in 2024. Little Kitty, Big City will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Steam, Xbox Series X & S, and the Xbox One.

Tracks of Thought

Have you been looking for a wholesome, feel-good game? Look no further than, Tracks of Thought! Play as a ladybug who has boarded a train, but after traveling through a tunnel, everyone on board has forgotten their final destination. Is this a case of forgetfulness or something more? Explore the train cars to investigate the train's final destination. Talk to other passengers and try to work together. With train cars full of scared and confused bugs, conflict is bound to arise. Luckily, you can solve your conflicts using a card-based battle-of-wits system. Rather than fighting each other, you'll solve your differences by finding common ground through communication and empathy. The ladybug's personality will be shaped by the choices you make while interacting with others. During your journey through the train cars, you'll meet one of seven potential companions who's your complete opposite. Tracks of Thought is a unique (self)-exploration RPG developed by Tidbits Play, a Dutch game studio. The release is scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, which includes the months of January, February, and March. The game will be available for purchase on Steam. Tracks of Thought has a discord where they release announcements, dev diary entries, and fan art. https://discord.com/invite/FpbUMSXNkT

Venba

If cooking stories pique your interest, then Venba is the perfect indie game for you. In this game, you will play as an Indian Mother who immigrates to Canada with her family sometime in the 1980s. As you progress through the game, you'll cook various dishes and restore lost recipes along the way. One of the dishes you'll prepare is Idlis type of savory rice cake. Whether you're a seasoned fan of South Indian cuisine or just discovering it for the first time, there's plenty to savor in this exciting experience. Branching conversations lead you down a linear story of cultural and self-discovery. Discover the heartwarming tale of family, love, and the bittersweet sting of loss in this captivating story. Venba was developed by an Indian-Canadian studio named Visai Games. Venba is their debut game, they strive to tell personal stories through video games. Venba is set to release on July 31, 2023. The game will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation5, Playstation 4, Steam, Xbox Series X & S, and the Xbox One.

The Master's Pupil

The Master's Pupil is a one-of-a-kind puzzle platformer game, perfect for art enthusiasts. Set inside the eyeball of Claude Monet, this biographical game boasts stunning hand-painted artwork. As you progress through the game, you'll face increasingly difficult obstacles, working to help Monet complete some of his greatest paintings. Some of these obstacles require you to use physics and timing as you navigate through air vents. The game's captivating soundtrack was composed by indie musician Steven W Schouten, and it was developed by the indie studio Pat Naoum Games. Look for it on both Steam and the Nintendo Switch, with a planned release date of July 28th, 2023.

Flutter Away

Flutter Away is the perfect game for those who love to immerse themselves in nature. Experience life as a butterfly researcher on her five-day research trip in the Amazon Rainforest. Discover butterflies and maybe even a capybara as you explore. Admire butterflies you discover by letting them climb onto your stick for a closer look. Document your findings and discoveries through photos and journal entries. Wonder outside of your camp to admire the nearby waterfall and its ambient noise. Who knows maybe you can even befriend some of the animals! Flutter Away was developed by a New Zealand developer and publisher named Runaway Play. The Planned release date is August 3rd, 2023. Flutter away will be available for purchase on the Nintendo Switch and Steam.