I don’t often cover the Steam Next Fest and what’s coming to it simply because I have no time to actually cover the demos during it in the first place. A weird little circle of being busy. Nonetheless, there are games announced for the upcoming Steam Next Fest that I think are worth watching, including one I’ve spoken about before. When we last saw MAFATE during the 2025 Wholesome Direct, not only was I sold on it there and then, but we could look forward to a 2026 release. Well, not yet, but the “postman that takes pictures” game is coming to the upcoming Steam Next Fest.

“MAFATE, the cozy adventure inspired by a real-life island off the coast of Madagascar, will be participating in October Steam Next Fest! Developed with a deep connection to the region it portrays, MAFATE (Mah-Faht) puts players in the role of a legendary mail carrier, exploring one of the world’s most remote inhabited regions as they deliver letters, photograph fleeting moments, and connect isolated communities. You can begin your adventure today with the newly updated Steam demo available now,” notes the press release.

It continues: “The updated demo gives players a chance to experience MAFATE’s relaxed approach to exploration and discovery. The Cirque de Mafate is a real volcanic caldera on Réunion Island with no roads or cars, reachable only on foot or helicopter. In MAFATE, players can explore trails, villages, forests, waterfalls, and towering cliffs inspired by the region while experiencing its Creole culture.

At the heart of the journey is Luna, a young Creole girl mysteriously transformed into a magical camera. Together with the mail carrier, she helps players discover the valley from new perspectives, capturing photographs and even possessing native animals to reach hidden paths, uncover secrets, and solve environmental puzzles.”

The press release also continues on to highlight key features:

“Explore a Real Place: Journey through a faithful, yet magical interpretation of the Cirque de Mafate, a secluded volcanic valley on Réunion Island.

Meet Luna, Your Camera Companion: Photograph the world alongside Luna, a young Creole girl transformed into a magical camera, with a composition system that rewards creativity, curiosity, and observation.

Deliver Letters, Connect Communities: Follow in the footsteps of the legendary Mafate mail carrier, delivering letters between isolated villages and discovering the stories of their inhabitants.

Possess Animals to Aid in Your Journey: Leave the camera behind by possessing native wildlife, utilizing their unique abilities to access hidden paths, uncover secrets, and solve puzzles.

Stay at Your Own Pace: With no combat, waypoints, or pressure, MAFATE encourages players to slow down, observe their surroundings, and discover the valley through curiosity.”

As the press release notes, the demo is available now, even ahead of the Steam Next Fest, which starts on October 19th. There is no word yet as to whether you’ll be able to play the MAFATE demo after the 26th of October, when the Steam Next Fest ends. There is also no word yet on whether MAFATE will be released sometime this year or if it has now been delayed until sometime next year. MAFATE has all the things I love to see: Something to do with a functioning postal service, playing with a camera, and it’s colorful. I can’t wait to see more.

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