I just spent an entire hour engrossed in the task of feeding a black hole instead of tackling my actual work assignments. And no, I’m not being metaphorical here; I was genuinely engaged in feeding a black hole through the Steam Next Fest demo for a game titled A Game About Feeding A Black Hole. I highly encourage you to join me in this oddly satisfying endeavor.
The demo, and likely the full version, adopts a minimalist approach. At the center of your screen lies a black hole surrounded by a swirl of asteroids. Your cursor, the key tool, inflicts damage on these asteroids over time. Each time a large asteroid crumbles, the black hole expands slightly, rewarding you with cash at the end of each round.
This in-game currency can be spent on permanent enhancements, including simple upgrades to increase the radius of your cursor or boost the damage you inflict. Some upgrades are more intriguing, such as one that adds extra seconds to the timer whenever the black hole levels up, or another that spawns electric asteroids, which damage nearby asteroids once they shatter.
More Exciting Demos to Try
- Ambrosia Sky: An exploration-based sci-fi FPS that combines elements from System Shock and PowerWash Simulator. You’re able to play the demo during the Steam Next Fest.
- Steam Next Fest Picks: I’ve played a considerable yet unquantifiable amount of games at work, and I’ve curated a list of 10 demos from Steam Next Fest that you definitely shouldn’t overlook before they’re gone.
- Point-and-Click Nostalgia: A game featuring a beloved actor from Game of Thrones pays homage to classic point-and-click adventures from the ’90s with a Steam Next Fest demo tailored for fans of Monkey Island.
The gameplay quickly becomes addictive as you evolve into a machine dedicated to clearing out the debris surrounding this light-devouring phenomenon, all while you chase after more cash. The experience is straightforward and enjoyable, offering no real penalty for failure—just an endless pursuit of funds for further upgrades. It’s a perfect way to relax and unwind.
Set to launch on November 10, this game promises even more upgrades, celestial bodies to obliterate, and additional gameplay modes.
Interestingly, the original developers behind Little Nightmares have effectively crafted their own version of Little Nightmares 3. I found their demo during Steam Next Fest to be more engaging than the actual sequel produced by Supermassive.