Opti Games has released a time-limited demo for its 4v4 sports brawler Sparkball as part of Steam Next Fest, running from June 9 through June 16. During this period, players can access the game for free and participate in ranked matchmaking. The main highlight of this demo is the chance to earn the exclusive ‘Beach Day’ Inksy skin by playing at least ten ranked matches. The skin is themed in partnership with Somnia and will be available to use in the game’s upcoming Season Zero.

Free Skin in Sparkball During Steam Next Fest

Sparkball x Steam Next Fest

Players interested in trying Sparkball can download it directly from the official Steam store page by signing into a Steam account and installing it on a Windows PC. Before entering ranked matches, new players are advised to complete the short tutorial and visit the Target Practice mode. These introductory features provide a useful starting point for understanding the mechanics and selecting a preferred character before competing in live matches.

The game combines mechanics from multiplayer online battle arenas and sports-based gameplay, offering a hybrid experience that focuses on strategy, positioning, and team coordination. For those unable to play during the designated matchmaking hours, Sparkball also includes Challenge Modes. These modes allow players to test out various hero types, including three tanks, two supports, and six strikers, each offering distinct abilities and gameplay styles.

Free Skin in Sparkball During Steam Next Fest

Ranked Matchmaking Returns for a Limited Time

The current demo marks the return of ranked matchmaking in Sparkball, allowing players to queue up for matches between 9 AM and 9 PM PST throughout the event week. Each match follows a best-of-three format and typically lasts between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the pace of play. A round lasts about five minutes, with the outcome determined by which team scores the most goals. By completing ten matches during this period, players will automatically qualify for the exclusive Inksy skin. There are no additional requirements to earn the reward, but the opportunity is limited to the duration of the demo.

Inksy is one of six striker characters currently available in Sparkball. She functions as a burst-damage mage with a toolkit designed to apply stacks to opponents and follow up with more powerful area-based abilities. Her primary skill, ‘Spray and Slay,’ coats enemies in Paint stacks, which enhance the effectiveness of her secondary skills like ‘Da Bomb.’ This early access to a character-specific skin serves both as a reward for player participation and as a preview of Sparkball’s character customization options.

Free Skin in Sparkball During Steam Next Fest

Rewards, Participation and Friendship Points

Participation in the Steam Next Fest demo benefits more than just individual players. According to Sparkball’s official platform, if enough players complete ten matches, the development team will receive additional funding. This would support the studio in further developing Sparkball and help accelerate its roadmap leading into Season Zero and beyond.

Players are also encouraged to earn Friendship points during the demo period, which can be used to unlock future content. Rewards linked to these points include S0 currency, an S0 Battle Pass, the Ascended Kana skin, and a raffle entry for the Founder’s Pass. These incentives are part of the game's preseason campaign and help establish a foundation for the upcoming full release.

Free Skin in Sparkball During Steam Next Fest

Looking Ahead to Season Zero and Full Launch

Sparkball is currently in its preseason phase, with a full free-to-play launch scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025. Following Steam Next Fest, the developers plan to roll out Season Zero, which will introduce the game's first official Battle Pass and a range of additional rewards. The game’s development is further supported by its integration with real-time web3 infrastructure provided by Somnia, though it is not yet confirmed whether the current skin reward will be mintable as an NFT.

With the Steam Next Fest demo now live, players have the opportunity to explore Sparkball’s gameplay, unlock limited-time rewards, and contribute to the ongoing development of this competitive title. The demo is available until June 16, and all progress made during this time will support the game’s evolution ahead of its official release.