Summer Game Fest may be over, but we don’t have to stop celebrating games. On Steam, the Showcase led by women spotlight games created by female-led studios; Both games are for sale And upcoming game demos to try out. The Women-Led Games event kicked off on June 8 with a showcase at Summer Game Fest and will continue until June 15.
As you may know, it’s been a challenging few years for the video game industry. Not only have there been a devastating number of layoffs and studio closures, but funding has also dried up. It’s always been hard for video game developers to get funding, but it’s also always been harder for female-led teams – and with funding at an all-time low, it can seem almost impossible. In 2021, $4.1 billion in investments went to video game companies led by men, while $1.2 million went to companies led by women.
That’s why support for women-led teams is so necessary. There are dozens of games included in the event; some have been out for a while, and some have yet to be released. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to try first, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting, innovative experiences.
The walking village
Image: Straw Fawn Studio
The walking village by Stray Fawn Studio is a city building game set on the back of a gigantic creature. Released in 2022, The walking village is in early access and has received several gameplay updates so far. During the event, The walking village retails for $18.74.
Duck Detective: The Secret Salami
Image: Happy Broccoli Games
In Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, you are a duck who is also a detective. Who stole the salami? That’s up to you to find out. By Happy Broccoli Games, Duck detective is an investigation game that’s like a more fun version of The Case of the Golden Idol — it’s a lot of distracting, asking questions and looking for clues before you write it all down in your notebook.
The Crusher House
Image: Nerial/Devolver Digital
By Reigns developer Nerial, The Crusher House is a reality show with a mystery. As the show’s producer, you cast the house members and record what happens, trying to tailor the show to the needs of your audience. It comes out on August 9, but Nerial has a demo available now.
Soulitarian
Image: Beardshaker games
Soulitarian is basically a fortune telling simulator. Customers enter your cafe for a reading, and it’s your job to interpret the cards and predict their future. From Beardshaker games, Soulitarian doesn’t have a release date yet, but there is a demo.
Sticky stuff
Image: Spellgarden Games/Assemble Entertainment
If I could live in one game, I think I would choose Sticky stuff. This will allow you to start your own small business: a sticker shop! You create and design stickers, print them and then pack the orders. You can get it Sticky stuff and a DLC pack for $12.58.
Botany country house
Image: Balloon Studios/Whitethorn Games
Okay, I just said I’d be living inside Sticky stuffbut I would also inhabit Botany country house. In Botany country house, you are a retired botanist living in 19th century England. It is a puzzle game that focuses on taking care of plants and discovering your country house. It’s just beautiful. There’s a free demo on Steam, but you can also buy it for $24.99.
Abyss x zero
Image: Studio Pixel Punk
A bonus entry, because there is nothing to play yet: Developer Studio Pixel Punk’s sequel to Invisible is Abyss x zero, described as a “3D Metroidvania with carefully crafted dungeons and stylish combat” on the Steam page. I don’t know much about it Abyss x zero, because it’s not out yet and there’s no demo either. But Invisible was one of my favorite games of 2021, so I won’t miss this one.