With winter in full swing, Xbox is giving gamers a reason to stay warm: 22 indie game demos to download for free on console. The Xbox Winter Demo Fest has just landed on the main interface of the Xbox Series X|S, without prior communication from Microsoft. A surprise that comes at just the right time for the end of year celebrations.
As spotted by PureXbox, the event was launched even before its official announcement. From now on, users can access a dedicated tab on their console, allowing them to test a varied selection of games, from RPG to strategy games, without spending a cent – and above all, without the need for an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
An avalanche of titles to discover alone or with friends
Among the demos offered, certain titles immediately attract attention with their original concept or their marked aesthetic. This is the case of Knuckle Jeta high-speed platformer where “you use the Knuckle Jet to propel yourself through the air, bounce off walls, and crush your enemies.”
Others tackle darker themes, like Incantationa first-person horror adventure game, inspired by a live-action film. The scenario evokes an ancestral evil: “Beyond the madness and fear palpable in the village, a sinister force drives despair. What happens when we cross the forbidden line of this evil deity?”
Strategy enthusiasts are not forgotten with Contraband Policean immersive simulation set in a fictional republic in 1981, where “you are assigned to a border crossing in the mountainous region of Karikatka. Entry into the People’s Republic of Acarist is strictly regulated by the party and your every move is monitored.”
Unexpected experiences for all gamer profiles
The interest of the Xbox Winter Demo Fest lies not only in its free admission, but in the diversity of the proposals. Some games like Relooted even offer a political message by inviting people to “take back” African objects exhibited in Western museums.
Others focus on user-friendliness, like Limbota multiplayer experience where participants play giant cardboard robots, or even Under Par Golf Architectwhich “enables the design of world-class golf courses by terraforming barren terrain into lush fairways to ensure a smooth trajectory with every putt.”
Even fans of dystopian reality TV will find something to suit them with Showgunnersa turn-based action game where “to win, you must navigate dangerous urban arenas filled with deadly traps and face off against hordes of heavily armed psychopaths.”
An initiative that is part of a broader strategy
The Xbox Demo Fest is expected to continue until the end of December, with more titles added gradually. This type of initiative allows Microsoft to highlight independent developers while strengthening the attractiveness of its ecosystem, including for those who are not subscribed to its services.
With around 35 million Xbox Game Pass members, extensive compatibility (PC, mobile, connected TVs), and subscriptions ranging from $9.99 to $29.99 per month, Xbox continues to expand its audience, also targeting curious visitors. This free festival is part of this logic of openness.