Dive into the excitement of Steam Next Fest as the hosts explore a wealth of gaming demos. They share their thoughts on unique titles like Mandragora and Gladio Mori while reflecting on the challenges of finding hidden gems in a crowded market. Expect witty banter about the absurdity of monetizing adult entertainment and a fictional game that adds a humorous twist. Plus, listener recommendations bring a festive touch as the conversation shifts toward Halloween thrills and upcoming games like Rivals of Aether 2.
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Quick takeaways
The conversation highlights a rising interest in the adults-only gaming market, advocating for a positive dialogue around its representation and engagement.
Steam Next Fest's vast array of game demos sparks excitement while presenting challenges for standout titles to gain necessary visibility in a saturated market.
Deep dives
Exploring a New Identity in Gaming Journalism
An interesting idea is proposed about creating an alternate identity focused on the adults-only video game market. The speaker identifies this space as underrepresented in journalism and highlights the effort both from developers creating these games and players engaging with them. There’s a sense of humor in the exploration, noting the outrageous user reviews that often justify the games in unexpected ways. This playful examination emphasizes the need for a positive and sex-positive dialogue around such content, which is often stigmatized.
Steam Next Fest Highlights
The discussion shifts to the Steam Next Fest, emphasizing its expansion and popularity in the gaming community. Participants talk about the plethora of game demos available, expressing the excitement of trying out various games. However, underlying this enthusiasm is a melancholic realization that many high-quality games may not find a substantial audience due to their sheer volume. This wealth of options makes discerning standout titles challenging, leading to a conversation about the community's expectations from indie developers.
Insights on Demos and Game Development Challenges
The conversation digs deep into the nature of game demos, revealing mixed feelings about their effectiveness in showcasing a game's potential. Certain demos, such as 'Soul Reader' and 'Gladio Mori', stand out for their unique gameplay mechanics or artistic direction. However, concerns arise over the readiness of some games for such public exposure, as many seem underdeveloped or lack the polish expected from a final product. This raises questions about marketing strategies and the importance of making impactful first impressions on potential players.
Nostalgia and Innovation in Game Design
Various games that evoke nostalgia, like 'Heartworm' and upbeat titles like 'Lonely Mountains Snow Riders', are highlighted for their creative take on classic game types. The developers are commended for their attempt to blend old-school aesthetics with modern gameplay elements to create a captivating experience. Discussions include the importance of well-designed mechanics and player engagement, especially in recreating the charm of retro gaming while delivering fresh content. The variety in game styles illustrates the vibrant creativity present in the current gaming landscape.
Crave the era of demo discs? It’s returned thanks to Steam Next Fest. This week, The Besties discuss 10 demos of anticipated games. Plus, we share some of your favorites. And we talk about a very special Justin McElroy video!
Get the full list of games (and other stuff) discussed at www.besties.fan. Want more episodes? Join us at patreon.com/thebesties for three bonus episodes each month!
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