June 2025 was a huge month for us here at Dusk Wave Arts! We had the incredible opportunity to showcase our upcoming psychological horror game, Stuck in the Present, in two major events: Game Con Canada (GCC) in Edmonton and Steam Next Fest 2025 online. Being part of both at once was intense in the best way, and we’re still processing how much it meant to connect with so many players both face-to-face and digitally. From June 13 to 15, we set up shop at booth #299 at Game Con Canada 2025. Our team composed of Paul, Caghan, Mars, and Monkey, traveled to Edmonton with the coolest art, demo stations, merch, freebies, and plenty of energy to introduce Stuck in the Present to a physical audience for the very first time. We even brought back BARHEIM, our drinking simulator tower defense game from last year, for everyone in GCC to enjoy. Since we also make webcomics on Comics Immersion, people who visited our booth were introduced to the best superhero duo ever: Nick and Jack from the Jewel Knights! One of the biggest moments for us was the awesome opportunity to present Stuck in the Present on the Main Stage. As an indie studio, sharing our game in front of a live audience felt surreal. Caghan and Monkey presented Stuck in the Present’s Demo on the Main Stage and introduced Faye and Rich for the very first time to an engaged audience. Seeing people play the demo, ask meaningful questions, and talk to us about the story’s themes made the whole experience unforgettable.
Game Con Canada was also made even more special thanks to our event partner, Femme Gaming. They’re an organization doing incredible work to create safer, more inclusive spaces for women in gaming and esports. With them on the show floor, we felt proud to stand together as advocates for diversity and representation and to keep building the future we want to see in games. Check them out and support what they do! While we were at the convention, the Stuck in the Present demo also launched as part of Steam Next Fest 2025, running from June 9 to 16. We heard from players about what stood out, what felt unclear, and which moments made an impact. We’re already using that insight to adjust pacing, polish mechanics, and refine how the story unfolds. Events like Steam Next Fest and Game Con Canada are rare opportunities to learn directly from your audience, and we’re taking every note seriously.
Now that we’re back in the studio, we’re feeling recharged and more focused than ever. These two events showed us how much the story of Stuck in the Present resonates with people, especially those who’ve experienced transition, displacement, or the weight of starting over. This game is about more than just fear and survival. It’s about what it means to keep going when you feel lost, and how hope can be just as powerful as horror. 
Try the demo now and wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2980980/Stuck_in_the_Present/