The Marathon Server Slam demo has taken the top spot on Steam Next Fest’s charts within hours of its release, signaling a sharp shift in player interest during this year’s event. While titles like Burglin’ Gnomes, Windrose, and Vampire Crawlers had drawn strong attention earlier, Marathon’s return has now made it the most-played demo by a significant margin.
Marathon, a classic first-person shooter set on the fictional planet Tau Ceti, has long been recognized for its blend of fast-paced action and retro charm. The Server Slam mode introduces a competitive twist, pitting players against each other in high-stakes matchups. Its immediate popularity suggests that the game’s nostalgic appeal remains strong, even decades after its original release.
Meanwhile, other demos have continued to perform well, though none have matched Marathon’s surge. Burglin’ Gnomes, a cooperative burglary simulator with gnome protagonists, holds the second spot. The game emphasizes chaotic teamwork and dark humor, offering a stark contrast to Marathon’s more serious tone. Its developer has emphasized its potential for replayability, with players controlling a group of small, agile bandits navigating through homes while avoiding homeowners and their pets.
In third place is Windrose, an open-world pirate survival game that blends base-building mechanics with naval combat. Unlike more lighthearted pirate fare, Windrose leans into a moodier, more strategic experience. Despite its strong reception—garnering over 5,400 positive reviews—its developers have indicated that they are not yet ready to set a release date, preferring to refine the game further before committing to a timeline.
Rounding out the top five is Vampire Crawlers, a deck-building dungeon crawler inspired by Vampire Survivors. The demo has been praised for its polished gameplay and deep strategic elements, though concerns about its addictive nature have been raised. Finally, Far Far West, a co-op first-person shooter featuring robot cowboys with magical abilities, has also garnered attention for its unique blend of gunplay and spellcasting.
While Marathon’s dominance is undeniable, the diversity of the top demos reflects broader trends in player preferences during Steam Next Fest. From cooperative chaos to survival adventures and strategic deck-building, this year’s event has showcased a wide range of experiences. However, Marathon’s resurgence serves as a reminder that retro appeal remains a powerful draw, even in an era dominated by open-world titles and live-service games.
