Welcome to another edition of Christmas with LadiesGamers.
I thought about what to share with you. A few ideas came to mind. But I decided to stick with one, which is full of possibilities and, at the same time, has a really low chance of happening before the end of the year. Today, we’re diving into my Steam Demo Backlog!
Here’s the thing. Usually, I’m a handheld gamer, specifically a Nintendo gamer. But when I started writing for LadiesGamers, I decided to step up my game and dive into the impetuous world of Steam. For someone like me, it quickly became the ultimate playground. What do you mean, I can browse page after page of a catalogue curated by the most random tags? Sign me up!
Unwrapping My Steam Demo Backlog
The result? My overexcited brain began adding every remotely interesting demo to my library. This one, and this one and Wow, how about this one! So much that I stand before you today, on a less than a year old Steam account, which already contains 111 demo games … I guess, in a way, I should be proud. Don’t judge me, though.
Anyway, you know the so-called “what if I need it at some point ?” that we use for clothes, books and the various miscellaneous objects that mysteriously accumulate in our homes? Clearly, my brain works the exact same way with games. There for my Steam Demo Backlog.
I think we can all agree that there is very little chance that I’ll manage to try them out before the end of 2025, first of all, because life is … well, life. And second, because if there is one period of the year where time is nothing but an expensive currency, it has to be Christmas and all its chaos. If I manage to end the Christmassy times fully and thoroughly exhausted, lucky me!
And that is exactly why I decided to share a bit of my Steam demo backlog with you. Because, for one moment, just the time to write and read this article, we are going to act as if time were nothing but a concept, as if I could magically carve out the hours I need to try the demos that I’m going to present.
Obviously, I’m not going to present to you the 111 games in my backlog. I’m not THAT evil. Let’s say that we stick to the games realised in 2025 and beyond. And even then, I’ll trim it down to the ones I’m really intrigued to try out.
Now, after this awfully long intro, jump in with me into the fun part: Ladies and Gentlemen, my Steam demo backlog!
Quality Dreams, Reasonably Priced
Quality dreams, reasonably priced is an independent cyberpunk narrative simulation game that explores the moral cost of manufactured dreams. Players run a small “dream-shop”, navigating shady clients, corporate pressure, and the blurred line between therapy and exploitation. Its minimalist design hides branching storylines shaped entirely by player choices. The game was released on 8 September 2025.
Ascend
Ascend is an independent zodiac-theme puzzle platformer where each constellation introduces unique mechanics and challenges. Players scale shifting celestial structures, solving pattern-based puzzles that evolve with the star signs. Its serene atmosphere contrasts with increasingly demanding platforming sequences.
The game was released on 30 September 2025.
In Konbini. One Store, Many Stories.
In Konbini is a 90s-set narrative simulation that places players behind the counter of a small Japanese convenience store. Through daily routines, customer interactions, and subtle choices, the game builds a quiet portrait of nostalgia and community. Its retro aesthetic and slow-life pacing highlight small but meaningful stories. The release date is TBD.
The Abbess Garden
The Abbess Garden is a historical gardening game that invites players to cultivate a medieval convent’s grounds with period-accurate plants and tools. As you restore the abbey’s gardens, you uncover stories of devotion, knowledge, and quiet rebellion. Its blend of research-based authenticity and meditative gameplay offers a uniquely grounded experience. The game is set to release in Q1 of 2026.
Vending Machine Co.
Vending Machine Co. is a cozy, delightfully colorful simulation game where players manage and customize an ever-growing fleet of quirky vending machines. From snack layouts to machine personalities, every detail adds charm and strategy. Its bright palette and gentle progression make it an inviting, low-pressure experience.
The game is set to release in Q1 of 2026.
Nook Fall: West Town
Nook Fall: West Town is an independent retro point-and-click adventure steeped in small-town mystery and 90s charm. Players investigate strange disappearances, rummage through dusty locales, and piece together clues with classic adventure-game humor. Its isometric style reinforces a warm yet uncanny atmosphere.
The game is set to release in 2026.
Arcane Eats
Arcane Eats is a chaotic cooking-themed deckbuilder where culinary spells double as combat moves, blending kitchen creativity with strategic battles. Each encounter challenges players to craft wilder, more flavorful combos from their evolving recipe deck. It’s quirky, fast-paced, and proudly absurd. Honestly, that’s all you need to know. The game is set to release in 2026.
Final Thoughts
Seven is one of my lucky numbers, so let’s stop right here for now. I’m already filled with the joy of this alternative reality that we shared together for a few minutes. I hope you enjoyed the ride into my Steam demo backlog. Don’t hesitate to share with me your own end-of-the-year gaming fantasy. See you around and Happy Christmassy, wintry times!
Do you like our content?
Support LadiesGamers as a member on Patreon!
Or buy us a cup of coffee or tea on Ko-Fi!
