7 games to check out in Steam’s Women-Led Games Showcase

Summer Game Fest may be over, but we don’t have to stop celebrating games. On Steam, the Women-Led Games Showcase is putting the spotlight on games created by studios led by women; there are both games on sale and upcoming game demos to try out. The Women-Led Games event began June 8 with a showcase at Summer Game Fest and continues until June 15.

As you might know, it’s been a challenging few years for the video game industry. Not only has there been a devastating number of layoffs and studio closures, but funding dried up. It’s always been hard for video game developers to get funding, but it’s also always been harder for women-led teams — and with funding at a low point, it can feel nearly impossible. In 2021, $4.1 billion in investments went to video game companies led by men, while $1.2 million went to companies led by women.

That’s why the support for women-led teams is so necessary. There are dozens of games included in the event — some that have been out for a while, and some that have yet to be released. If you’re feeling overwhelmed over what to try first, we’ve rounded up some of the most exciting, innovative experiences.

The Wandering Village

Image: Straw Fawn Studio

The Wandering Village from Stray Fawn Studio is a city-building game that takes place on the back of a giant creature. Released in 2022, The Wandering Village is in early access and has received several gameplay updates so far. During the event, The Wandering Village is on sale for $18.74.

Duck Detective: The Secret Salami

Image: Happy Broccoli Games

In Duck Detective: The Secret Salami, you’re a duck that’s also a detective. Who stole the salami? That’s up to you to find out. By Happy Broccoli Games, Duck Detective is an investigative game that’s like a cuter version of The Case of the Golden Idol — it’s a lot of deduction, questioning, and searching for clues before jotting it all down in your notebook.

The Crush House

Image: Nerial/Devolver Digital

From Reigns developer Nerial, The Crush House is a reality show with a mystery. Playing as the show’s producer, you’ll cast the house members, then record what happens, attempting to tailor the show to your audience’s desires. It’s out on Aug. 9, but Nerial has a demo available now.

Soulitaire

Image: Beardshaker Games

Soulitaire is basically a fortune-telling simulator. Customers will enter your cafe for a reading, and it’s your job to interpret the cards and predict their future. From Beardshaker Games, Soulitaire doesn’t have a release date just yet, but it does have a demo.

Sticky Business

Image: Spellgarden Games/Assemble Entertainment

If I could live inside one game, I think I’d choose Sticky Business. It lets you start your own small business — a sticker shop! You create and design stickers, print them, and then pack up orders. You can get Sticky Business and a DLC pack for $12.58.

Botany Manor

Image: Balloon Studios/Whitethorn Games

OK, I just said I’d live inside Sticky Business, but I’d also inhabit Botany Manor. In Botany Manor, you’re a retired botanist who lives in 19th-century England. It’s a puzzle game that’s centered around tending to plants and discovering your manor. It’s just lovely. There’s a free demo on Steam, but you can also buy it for $24.99.

Abyss x Zero

Image: Studio Pixel Punk

A bonus entry, because there’s nothing to play yet: Developer Studio Pixel Punk’s follow-up to Unsighted is Abyss x Zero, described as a “3D Metroidvania with carefully crafted dungeons and stylish combat” on its Steam page. I don’t know much about Abyss x Zero, because it’s not out yet, nor is there a demo. But Unsighted was one of my favorite games of 2021, so I won’t be missing this one.