Steam drops free download for open-world game you'll lose hours to

It’s Thursday which means the weekend is within touching distance.

Are you in need of something new to play?

I’ve got a recommendation you should consider, especially if you fancy exploring a vast snowy world.

Granted, it’s summer - and a very hot one - for those of us in the northern hemisphere, but perhaps virtual snowscapes are exactly what we need to escape the sweatfest that is global warming.

The Vast White is an upcoming game by Horizon Games that’s set to launch later this year, but its generous demo is already available to sample on Steam.

It’s difficult to pin this one into a category. It’s partially a sports game, part exploration.

There are adventure elements in there too.

Essentially, The Vast White sees you assume the role of a snowboarder who sets about exploring an enormous snowy landscape.

I’m guessing you can see where the game’s title comes from.

You’ll need to avoid obstacles while enjoying a peaceful slide down the slopes, also uncovering “mysteries buried in the show”.

The demo should grant you a generous slice of what’s to come.

You’ll be able to uncover the first of the game’s mysteries, meeting a few characters and hearing their stories and clues.

Honestly, there’s something very special in the works here.

The demo doesn’t have a ton of player feedback yet, but what’s there is positive.

“Great demo! It kinda reminds me of A Short Hike but with its own style. The mouse is rlly rlly cute. I want to see how this game grows. Great work,” read one review.

Another complimented the “very fun little demo”, praising the art style and environment.

Fancy giving it a go?

Head on over to Steam to try the demo and, of course, I’m sure the developers would appreciate you wishlisting the full title.