Indie Fan Fest Aims to Boost Game Discovery Ahead of Steam Next Fest

In a recent interview, Digital Bandidos CEO Steve Escalante and The MIX co-founder Justin Woodward discussed the launch of Indie Fan Fest, a new digital showcase designed to champion indie developers. Set to premiere on September 24, the event aims to highlight upcoming indie titles and provide a platform for discovery ahead of October's Steam Next Fest. The idea for Indie Fan Fest was born out of a desire to give indie developers a boost, particularly those with limited resources. Escalante explained that the event is financed through a small submission fee and sponsorships, with the goal of providing a low barrier to entry for developers. Woodward added that the event is designed to be a complementary showcase to Steam Next Fest, highlighting games that may not have otherwise received visibility. The selection process for featured titles involves a careful review of submissions, with consideration given to factors such as pacing, audience appeal, and the needs of broadcasting partners. With over 700 trailers submitted for the showcase, the team is optimistic about the event's potential to drive discovery and support indie developers. Looking ahead, Digital Bandidos is actively working on a platform to solve the discoverability problem, with a focus on pre-launch support, user engagement, and direct communication. The company believes that its formula for success can help indie developers self-publish and thrive in a crowded market.