Xbox kicks off Indie Selects Demo Fest with 30-plus demos this month

Table of Content

Xbox has rolled out the latest Indie Selects Demo Fest, a time-limited showcase running December 9-31 with more than 30 playable demos. This edition adds a notable first: the collection now includes PC and Handheld titles alongside Xbox releases. The builds are presented as early versions, so content and availability may change closer to launch. Xbox also confirmed four newly announced games that are coming to the platform.

Key dates and what to expect

The Demo Fest spans December 9-31, with all listed demos available during that window. Microsoft notes these are early builds that can differ from final releases, and regional availability may vary. The initiative also highlights developer feedback loops – impressions gathered during the event are intended to help teams refine their games ahead of launch.

Four new Xbox arrivals: highlights from the fresh announcements

Xbox confirmed four newly announced titles heading to the platform. Below are the core ideas and features each demo showcases, based on the official descriptions.

Knuckle Jet (Rain Games)

• “Jetpunk” action platformer from the creators of Teslagrad – play as Anastasia and use the titular Knuckle Jet to ricochet off walls and dispatch enemies.
• Gear customization supports different playstyles and experimental builds.
• Local 2-player co-op for the campaign and a competitive Knuckleball mode; the story pits players against Baron Tychoon.

Megabattle (MadCat)

• Roguelite structure with deckbuilding – assemble a deck, construct a robot fighter, and push runs with varied strategies.
• Run-based progression emphasizes experimentation, with the genre’s usual permadeath stakes.

Raging Bill (Artpunk Studio)

A single-player sandbox built in Unreal Engine 5 (Lumen, Nanite, Chaos physics) and centered on Bill – an ex-MMA champion turned billionaire whose island spirals into unpredictable scenarios. The developers cite Goat Simulator and Duke Nukem as inspirations, blending open-ended antics with combat, stunts, and puzzle elements.

• Open world of 5 km² with multiple biomes, secrets, and retro-themed Easter eggs.
• Traversal and toys include jetpacks and hoverboards, aiming for fast-paced, shareable moments.
• Developed by Jérôme Tissot (Muttonheads) under Artpunk Studio.

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Reef Defense (Swift Creek Games)

• Fast-paced strategy-defense where players repel waves of crustaceans attacking eggs on a reef.
• Focus on clever build placement, timing, and survival under escalating pressure.

Complete lineup and platforms

The Demo Fest features a mix of new reveals and previously announced titles. The table below lists all participating games and their stated platforms for this event, as provided by Xbox.

Indie Selects Demo Fest: participating titles

Why it matters – a wider snapshot of upcoming indies

This Demo Fest offers a concentrated look at in-development indies across Xbox, PC, and Handheld, with hands-on slices available for a limited time. The inclusion of multiple platforms and the confirmation of four new Xbox-bound titles make December’s showcase a practical way to gauge what’s landing next – and which projects might deserve a spot on your watchlist.