I'm often asked how to prepare for Steam Next Fest and so I've put together tips from my experience working on dozens of games over the last few years. Read the full blog post. Here are some of the frequently asked questions I receive when I hold regular 1:1 calls with Indies about Steam Next Fest. If you have a question to ask, I only have one request - be specific with your question, and share the link to my community so others can benefit from the knowledge. ⭐How do I know if I’m ready for Next Fest?⭐ If your core gameplay loop is solid, your Steam page is fully optimised with Trailers, Screenshots, Tags, GIFs, and you have a bug-free 20-30 minute demo, you’re ready. Ask yourself: Would I be comfortable sending this to creators or the press right now? If the answer is no, you’re not ready yet. If you’re still fixing things a week before, wait for the next one. ⭐What is the "Rule of 7"?⭐ It’s the idea that a player needs to see your game multiple times across different platforms before they finally hit that “Wishlist” button. Repurposing one piece of content into seven posts across different platforms is the easiest way to hit this number without burning out trying to create entirely new content. ⭐Should I use Discord or Steam Forums?⭐ Both are useful, but prioritise Steam. You want the activity to be visible on Steam to help your organic reach. Discord is great for community building, but during the fest, keep the conversation where the algorithm can see it. Respond on Steam first, always. ⭐How long should my demo be?⭐ Typically depending on the length of your game you want to aim for 20 to 30 minutes. If you have a shorter game length, then you need to be tactical using visuals. Ideally you want to showcase the core mechanics and leave the player wanting the full game, not give them the whole experience for free. If people are spending more time playing your demo than they will on the full game, your demo is too long. It should be just enough to give them a taste of the core gameplay.