On December 13, the annual event “The Game Awards” will take place. As part of this, Steam is hosting a special promotion where you can try out demos of brand new, unreleased games for 48 hours.
What are the Game Awards? The “The Game Awards” is an annual event that honors games from 2019 with awards. The live stream of the awards will take place on December 13 starting at 2:30 AM our time and can be followed on the streaming platform Twitch.
The event is hosted by Canadian Geoff Keighley, who was also responsible for the Opening Night of Gamescom in 2019 and several other hosting duties for video game events.
It was Keighley who announced the “The Game Festival.” You can play various games as demos on Steam for 48 hours. The festival aims to address the well-known problem that while the awards excite players, they cannot buy all the new games. This way, everyone can at least try out some new games.
13 games you can try for free on Steam
How long does the promotion last? You can test the 13 games for 48 hours on Steam. The promotion starts on Thursday, December 12 at 8:00 PM our time and runs until Saturday, December 14, also at 8:00 PM.
Which games can be tested? The games that can be experienced during “The Game Festival” are indie games that have not yet been released. Many of them are primarily single-player games.
We will introduce each one of them with trailers, a short description, and release information.
System Shock (Nightdive Studios)
What is System Shock 2020? System Shock 2020 is a single-player action RPG from Night Dive Studios. It is a remake of the 1994 game where you explore a space station, just like in the original.
In this space station, you will encounter enemies you must defeat, as well as puzzles to solve. In the game, you will not meet NPCs to interact with, but you will receive tips from an AI that interacts with you.
From the basic structure, you can immediately recognize the connection to the original game, but it has been graphically and gameplay-wise updated to current standards.
When will System Shock 2020 be released? A release is planned for early 2020. There is no exact date yet. The RPG is set to release simultaneously for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Eastward (Pixpil/Chucklefish)
What is Eastward? Eastward is an adventure game with RPG elements. It is influenced by Japanese RPGs from the 1990s, and you enter a 3D world where society has collapsed.
In this abandoned world, John (the player) and Sam search for their place while discovering more about their past.
When will Eastward be released? A release of the game is planned for 2020. There is no exact date yet. The adventure is set to release for the Nintendo Switch and PC.
Spiritfarer (Thunder Lotus Games)
What is Spiritfarer? In Spiritfarer, you play as Stella, the ferryman of the deceased. With a boat, you explore the world and befriend the spirits that you later guide to the afterlife.
Spiritfarer describes itself as a cozy management game. You can upgrade your boat, mine, fish, and cook. However, the focus is on the moving stories that the spirits have to tell.
On Steam, the game promises about 30 hours to complete the main story and hundreds of hours to explore all the secrets of the game world.
When will Spiritfarer be released? For this indie title, only 2020 is indicated as the release period. It is set to release for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Moving Out (SMG Studio/Devm Games/Team 17)
What is Moving Out? In Moving Out, you can prove your moving skills. This action and puzzle game is all about moving in and out of houses. You can do this alone or in co-op.
In the game, you can expect surprising twists, disrespectful humor, and funny guest appearances. Those who thought moving is boring might be pleasantly surprised.
When will Moving Out be released? The moving simulator is expected to release in 2020. It will be available for PC, PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Röki (Polygon Treehouse/United Label)
What is Röki? Röki is an adventure game influenced by Scandinavian folklore. It presents a tale of terror, accompanied by charming graphics, puzzles, and plenty of Nordic atmosphere.
You will encounter monsters in a vast world, some of which are friendly and others hostile. There are also puzzles and many ancient, forgotten objects.
When will Röki be released? Röki has already been released in 2019 for the Nintendo Switch and is set to release in 2020 on Steam and thus on PC.
Chicory (Greg Lobanov)
What is Chicory? Chicory is an adventure RPG where you play as a dog holding a magical paintbrush. With it, you explore the world, solve puzzles, and bring color back to the world.
With the paintbrush, you can not only spread color but also manipulate the environment to progress. You will encounter many cute and animal companions in the world.
When will Chicory be released? Chicory is set to release in 2020 for PC.
Wooden Nickel (Brain & Brain)
What is Wooden Nickel? Wooden Nickel is a Western RPG in a world that is graphically very simplistic. Not much is known about the game yet.
The trailer features a cowboy exploring the world, entering saloons, and interacting with other NPCs.
When will Wooden Nickel be released? The adventure is set to release in 2020. It is planned for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Haven (The Game Bakers)
What is Haven? Haven is an adventure RPG set in a world full of adventure and freedom. You discover a forgotten planet together with your partner. There, you must survive, set up a camp, and explore a lot.
You can alternately control both characters and let them interact with each other. This way, you experience an exciting but also romantic adventure of a couple.
An alternative player can also take over a character, ideally your own partner.
When will Haven be released? Haven is planned for release in 2020 for PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch.
Heavenly Bodies (2pt Interactive)
What is Heavenly Bodies? In Heavenly Bodies, you find yourself as an astronaut in space. There, without gravity, you can move freely, although it is not always easy.
Game physics play a crucial role. Without gravity, nothing is stable, nothing is safe, and nothing is easy. This leads to quirky and inadvertently funny situations.
When will Heavenly Bodies be released? The game is expected to release in early 2020. Currently, only a PC version is planned.
Acid Knife (Powerhoof)
What is Acid Knife? Acid Knife is a “side-scrolling combat” game where you face deadly centipedes, giant spiders, and other dangerous creatures.
The focus of the game is on your positioning and improvisation. You can use various commands like attack, block, and dodge, but also talk, flirt, and kiss.
When will Acid Knife be released? Acid Knife will be released when it is finished. Currently, it is only planned for PC.
The Drifter (Powerhoof)
What is The Drifter? From the same developer as Acid Knife comes The Drifter. It is a “pulp adventure.”
You are a wanderer – and you have been murdered. But now, just seconds before your death, you come back to life and fight for your life, but also for your sanity.
When will The Drifter be released? Like Acid Knife, The Drifter does not yet have a release timeframe. The PC is also indicated as the platform here.
Carion (Devolver)
What is Carion? In Carion, the roles are reversed. You play a horror game, but this time, you are the one who is supposed to scare others. Over time, you learn more skills with which you can frighten the NPCs.
When will Carion be released? Carion is the only game that has already been released on all platforms. The release was on October 25, 2019, for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
SkateBird (Glass Bottom Games)
What is SkateBird? In SkateBird, you take on the role of a lonely bird whose friends have already given up skateboarding and are pursuing real careers.
However, you want to challenge your luck once again and become a successful SkateBirder. The more you ride and the better you get, the more followers you collect. You need followers to become a respected skater.
Different skate parks, tricks, and other features await you. Of course, the focus here is on fun and the crazy world, similar to Goat Simulator or Goat of Duty.
When will SkateBird be released? SkateBird is set to release in 2020 for PC.
Big announcements at the Game Awards
What else is happening at the Awards? In addition to the awards and the promotion on Steam, there are expected to be some big announcements at this year’s Game Awards.
One announcement will come from the shooter Fortnite. Many suspect that the PvE component “Save the World” could become free.
Also, The Elder Scrolls Online wants to announce something big. It is speculated that Skyrim could come as a new addon.
We should also be excited to see what other developers will announce.
Update December 15: It is now known that ESO will indeed receive an expansion in the style of Skyrim. There was also a big announcement for New World, the MMO from Amazon. It will now focus more on PvE and refrain from forced PvP.
In Fortnite, however, there was only an announcement regarding the new Star Wars film. A teaser was presented in the game itself.
