Some games are about running, jumping, shooting, and saving the world. Baby Steps is about not falling over. And somehow, that’s enough to make it one of the most memorable demos of Steam Next Fest.
You play as Nate, a washed-up thirty-something in a bathrobe who wakes up in a mysterious landscape with only one mission: walk. But here’s the catch: every leg movement is manual. Left foot, right foot, balance, momentum… It’s a clumsy balance of physics where progress is measured in inches and triumph is not faceplanting into a rock. It’s awkward, it’s ridiculous, and it’s absolutely glorious. It’s the perfect walking simulator.
The humor is the star here. Nate’s dry commentary is so perfectly timed it feels unscripted; probably because a lot of it is. The devs, known for Getting Over It with Bennett Foddy, bring that same mix of frustration and philosophy, but dial it down into something even more absurd. Conversations drift into nonsense, characters mumble existential one-liners, and the world around you plays it completely straight while you’re tripping over your own two feet. It’s like if QWOP and The Stanley Parable had a baby and raised it on Adult Swim cartoons.
But underneath the slapstick is a strangely meditative rhythm. There’s no combat, no health bar, no fail state. You just… walk. Through misty cliffs, mossy trails, and floating islands, the game gently encourages you to take it slow, enjoy the view, and maybe, just maybe, reflect on how much effort it really takes just to put one foot in front of the other. It’s exploration without pressure, like a hiking trip where the only real challenge is gravity and your own coordination.
The soundtrack deserves a mention too. Built out of layered beats and ambient vibes that swell as you move, it gives the whole thing an almost zen-like groove. When you’re not laughing at Nate’s pratfalls, you’re vibing out to a strangely beautiful soundscape that makes the journey feel meaningful, even when you’re crawling uphill at 0.2 km/h.
All in all, Baby Steps is weird, wonderful, and unexpectedly soothing. It made me laugh, curse, and, oddly enough, relax. It’s not for everyone; if you’re looking for fast-paced action or tight platforming, this ain’t it. But if you enjoy games that are as much about the feeling as the mechanics, this is one walk worth taking.
Coming September 8, 2025. Bring your patience and maybe some knee pads.
