13 Games on My Steam Wishlist: Expert Picks for 2024 and Beyond

Using your Steam wishlist is the ultimate tool for keeping track of open-ended development projects and indie gems that might otherwise slip through the cracks. After 18 years in the industry, I have curated a list that bypasses the obvious AAA blockbusters in favor of deep-dive tactical experiences, mecha simulations, and ambitious management titles. Here is a look at the games currently occupying my queue.

The Tactical and Mecha Obsession

My preference for turn-based strategy and first-person mechanics is clear when looking at the projects I monitor. I am constantly hunting for games that provide the same depth as the classics I grew up with.

Kriegsfront Tactics: A spiritual successor to Front Mission set in a unique ’70s Southeast Asia backdrop. Mechs remain the absolute best enemies for tactical combat.
Lancer Tactics: Bringing the beloved mecha TTRPG into the digital space, this project promises the kind of sandbox depth that fans of the tabletop original have been craving.
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Tactics: Fresh out of Gamescom, this marks the second major tactical spinoff in the Siege universe, and I am keen to see how the formula adapts to a new perspective.

Ambitious Management and MMO Projects

Sometimes, the most interesting titles are the ones that attempt to build massive, persistent worlds or simulate the very industry we work in. These games prioritize unique systems over sheer graphical fidelity.

Anvil Empires: The developers of Foxhole are working on a persistent medieval strategy MMO. The scale of this project suggests we might be spending years in this world.
Let’s Build a Dungeon: A management sim where you run an MMO studio. The inclusion of granular details—like the risk of having your game leaked—adds a layer of meta-narrative that is hard to resist.
Space Station 14: A spiritual successor to the notorious SS13, this is an old-school multiplayer story generator that offers a sandbox experience unlike anything else on the market.

Roguelikes and Niche Simulators

Finally, I keep a close eye on the roguelike genre and innovative indies that dare to weld disparate mechanics together. These titles represent the bleeding edge of experimental game design.

Hull Rupture: A spaceship-themed tower defense title featuring beautiful, intricate pixel art that catches the eye immediately.
Enter the Gungeon 2: It has been a decade since the original, and the prospect of returning to this pun-filled, high-octane bullet-hell experience is something every fan of the genre should be watching.
Hunger: While I am usually wary of games describing themselves as a ‘multiplayer zombie extraction RPG,’ the ambition here is undeniable for a fan of high-stakes extraction gameplay.

Pro Tip: Utilizing your Steam wishlist is not just about sales; it is a vital way to support indie developers by boosting their visibility before their official launch.

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