What’s On Your Wishlist?
As the Steam Winter Sale approaches, I've been taking a closer look at what's actually on my wishlist and why it's there. This isn't a list of everything under the sun, it's a curated snapshot of games that genuinely caught my attention. From releases you can play right now, to titles coming next year, and a few still waiting on a confirmed date. If you're trying to be a bit more selective this sale, hopefully this helps narrow things down for you.
This list isn't meant to be definitive or exclusive, it's meant to start a conversation. Share what's on your wishlist in the comments, or let me know which games you're eyeing for the Winter Sale.
If you want to stay connected over the holidays and beyond outside of the blog and social media feeds, the Joystick Diaries community on Steam is officially up and running. Join and invite your friends to share games, and start discussions about your opinion on some of the titles we've talked about this year.
I hope everyone has a very happy, safe holiday season and you can expect more content early next year!
Currently Available Titles:
Tavern Keeper
Cozy, chaotic tavern management mixed with storybook RPG.
This is still very much a viable candidate for a new game, I truthfully have just been wrapped up in other games and there isn't anything overly drawing me to this title.
Caravanners
Design your own mobile home in your van; design it yourself and create a caravan with friends.
I've been weary of this game because since release it's had "mixed" reviews on Steam and people generally seem disappointed.
Medieval Crafter: Blacksmith
Mining, crafting weapons, and arming local heroes is how you forge your way in this fantasy management sim.
I have been looking forward to this, and as far as tavern management games so this seems like a unique spinoff of similar games I've already played.
Goblin Cleanup
Co-op cleaning game where you have to tidy up dungeons before the next groups of adventurers come to complete it again
I played the demo and fell in love immediately. I've just been waiting to have time to play with friends before I pick this up.
Ale Abbey - Monastery Brewery Tycoon
Build up a monastery by crafting recipes and brewing holy ales in this beer tycoon game.
This ended up on my list because I saw a friend of mine stream it and it seemed fun.
Deck of Haunts (Purchased today)
A unique twist on a deckbuilding game; you play as the haunted house and your goal is to lure in humans, drain them, and grow more powerful.
I've just been waiting for this to be on sale; I am a sucker for a unique, fun deckbuilding game. I might be picking this up this week!
Die in the Dungeon
Deckbuilding meets dungeon crawling, but instead of cards you battle with dice!
Has always seemed interesting to me, and been on my list for a while...maybe I'll pull the trigger this Christmas?
Rotwood
A co-op dungeon crawler experience where you and your friends to save the world from chaos.
This game released in spring of 2024; I looked forward to it being a Klei game (one of my favorite publishers); I think other games just pushed their way to the top of my list
Ship of Fools
A seafaring co-op roguelite game where you set sail with your friends and battle sea monsters through the treacherous high seas.
As with most co-op games, this and many others on this list felt like they were better with friends, even if you could play them solo; as excited as I am, this one sits on the shelf until I have a decent group to venture with.
The Coin Game
A game full of ticket redemption arcade games with realistic physics, silly robots, and an open-world design.
Even though the game has been released since 2019, I only just discovered this game and it seems interesting, but not for the $20 USD price tag
Releasing in 2025:
Quarantine Zone: The Last Check
Manage the checkpoint in a post-apocalyptic zombie infested world in this choices matter management sim.
Many of us saw the viral TikToks, played the demo the day it came out, and were quickly addicted (I was one of those people).
I'm still eagerly awaiting this release; it was slated for release in November, was pushed back briefly to 2026, and now says 2025 release date, so we're still standing by.
Releasing in 2026:
Vending Machine Co.
Slay the Spire 2
Roadside Research
Outbound
Tidebound
Replay Value: Second Hand Games
Road Diner Simulator
Solarpunk
Nivalis
Over the hill
Tears of Metal
Loftia
Bloody Hell Hotel
Release Date TBD:
Autonomica
inKONBINI: One Store. Many Stories
Deep Rock Galactic: Rogue Core
Sledding Game
Train Station Project
Innkeep
Momento
Frog Island
Among the Wild
Railborn
Box Bakery
Croakwood
Cargo: Co-Op Delivery Simulator in Post Apocalyptic World
Plague Doctor: Life in Pestilence