Indie developer Midnight Gaming Studios has announced Just Shovel It, a friendly first-person game about shoveling snow from your yard on New Year’s Eve. The premise is as simple as it sounds: a snowstorm has buried everything overnight, and it’s up to you to dig it all up, one shovelful at a time. The garage driveway, the terrace, the car were frozen in the yard. None of this is going anywhere on its own.
The loop is satisfying in its simplicity. You fill a bag with snow, carry it to a furnace, earn coins, and reinvest those coins into better tools. Starting with a basic shovel, you’ll gradually work your way up to more capable equipment, with the snow vacuum featured as one of the later upgrades. Along the way, there are hidden objects buried under the snow to discover and fairy lights to hang, adding a little extra charm to what is already shaping up to be a wonderful low-pressure experience. There are no failed states here. Just the calm, rhythmic satisfaction of making progress.
A free demo is available now on Steam, with a gameplay duration of approximately 40-50 minutes and support for 25 languages. Best of all, the demo will be featured as part of Steam Next Fest, which runs from October 19-26, giving players a great opportunity to try it out during this event window. It’s worth getting started as soon as possible if the idea of a calm, no-stakes game of digging appeals to you.
Just Shovel It’s full release is currently scheduled for December 2026, which would place it neatly into the winter season the game is built around. Platform details beyond Steam haven’t been confirmed at this point, but with the demo already live, Midnight Gaming Studios is clearly gaining momentum ahead of this launch window. Keep an eye on their Steam page for updates as the project develops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Just Shovel It?
Just Shovel It is a friendly first-person game developed by Midnight Gaming Studios. Players clear a snowy yard using a shovel and other upgradeable tools, earning coins by filling bags and burning them in an oven.
When is Just Shovel It coming out?
The full game is scheduled for release in December 2026. A free demo is now available on Steam and will be presented during the Steam Next Fest from October 19 to 26.
Is there a demo available for Just Shovel It?
Yes, a free demo is available on Steam and takes approximately 40-50 minutes to complete. It supports 25 languages.
Can you fail or lose in Just Shovel It?
No. Just a shovel. It doesn’t shed, making it a relaxed, low-pressure experience focused on the satisfaction of clearing snow and upgrading your tools.
What platforms is Just Shovel It available on?
The demo is currently available on Steam. No additional platform announcements have been made at this time.
