Link: https://www.uploadvr.com/steam-next-fest-october-2026-features-over-40-pc-vr-demos/

Next Fest is a chance for players to go hands-on with anticipated upcoming games while developers get a boost in visibility, potential wishlists, and invaluable feedback to help shape their projects as they approach a release date.

Some of the participating games released demos prior to the start of Next Fest, like Rustmourne, The Rifted Skies, Drifters: Blackout Crew, and RAID VR. Co-op heist shooter Payday: Aces High will have a demo available with two playable heists after its closed playtest in August.

Please note that this list was provided two weeks ago by Valve and is subject to change. Developers can drop out of Next Fest if their demo is not ready or release a demo on short notice.

Next Fest isn't VR specific, it's primarily demos of flatscreen games and runs multiple times per year.

You said

Maybe work on inventory numbers before advertising software for the units…

Just leave it at "it sucks that I don't have a Frame yet" instead of acting like Valve are somehow twisting a knife.

Sincerely,
A Valve Index user who is also impatiently waitlisted.