🎮 How to Master Steam and STEAM

From party games to powerful tech, there’s something for everyone in this month’s newsletter. Party Versus is now free on the Meta Horizon Store, and Among Us 3D fans can enter a Vigilante photo contest for a chance to win exclusive cosmetics. Nintendo Switch 2 restocks are rolling in, Xbox just revealed its first handheld, and Game Pass is loaded with new titles. We’re also spotlighting how VR boosts student engagement, how game design teaches STEAM skills, and what 50 days of indie dev really looks like. Read on for the latest in games, education, and development.

Entertainment

• Party Versus Is Free. Jump into the party of the year - FOR FREE. Party Versus, the multiplayer mixed reality minigame frenzy, is now free to own on the Meta Horizon Store (requires Meta Quest 3 or 3S to play).
• Among Us 3D is a Horizon+ Editor's Pick for July. This month, Horizon+ Subscribers can jump in and play Among Us 3D as part of the program.  
• Among Us 3D Photo Contest. We need YOUR photo submissions of the Vigilante — screenshots, video clips, or artwork. Every other week until the end of July, four randomly-selected photos from your submissions will be selected, and winners will be awarded with their very own DUM Duo Vigilante Cosmetic set: the Vigilante Hood and Vigilante Gloves. Read more and learn how to submit photos here.  
• Nintendo Switch 2 Restocks. Having a hard time getting your hands on a Nintendo Switch 2? No worries, retailers are starting to restock the console more often. Check out the trackers here to snag your console and desired accessories.  
• Xbox Game Pass for July. New month means new games on Game Pass! Stay up-to-date on which games are being added and removed from Game Pass here.   
• Xbox to Launch a Handheld Console. Microsoft has paired up with Asus to launch the new ROG Xbox Ally and the ROG Xbox Ally X, their first Xbox handheld console. Compare specs and learn more about the handheld in this wrap-up.

Education

• Game Design Is the Best Way to Teach STEAM Skills. Game design isn’t just coding; it’s a powerful educational tool for all disciplines across the STEAM spectrum. Learn how game-based learning is benefiting education.  
• Games for Change 2025 Awards Winners Unveiled. There were 800 submissions from across 55 countries for the Games for Change Awards 2025, and the 19 winners were recently announced. See which games were recognized for their impact on important topics like mental health, accessibility, environmental action, and innovation.   
• Virtual Reality Improves Student Engagement. After conducting a 15-week study, researchers have observed that virtual reality is boosting student engagement and social presence. Students who participated in VR activities for less than 45 minutes experienced improved learning, competence, and enjoyment in class.

Game Development

• What 50 Days of Game Development REALLY Looks Like. YouTuber and developer JD Dev shares this devlog to showcase everything they’ve accomplished in 50 days of work. From fixing frustrating bugs to adding exciting new features, this video gives you a raw, behind-the-scenes look at the development process.   
• Game Devs of Color Expo 2025. Tickets for the 10th annual Game Devs of Color Expo are now available! This online conference with talks, panels, and interviews featuring industry experts will take place from September 16–19. Stay tuned for more info about this event, including local watch parties.  
• How One Indie Dev is Using Unreal Engine 5. Developers from Void Interactive talk about the challenges and breakthroughs that have defined the next phase of development for their acclaimed tactical first-person shooter, Ready or Not.  
• Creating Freedom and Fantasy. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 game director Kurt Tillmanns shares how to create timeless gameplay and deliver player fantasy. 

Inside Schell Games

• Turning Impossible Into Reality. We have a new corporate overview video! Whether you're a potential client, creative partner, aspiring developer, or just a fan, learn how we combine storytelling, technology, and design to deliver transformative experiences worldwide.  
• Meet Advanced Engineering Manager Jess. Jess shares advice, game recommendations, and more in our latest Employee Spotlight.  
• What We Learned | Out of Scale: A Kurzgesagt Adventure. In this new series, we dive into the details of a specific game and explore everything from working with the client successfully, what went well, and continuous improvements for future work. This time, read what we learned about working on Out of Scale: A Kurzgesagt Adventure.