When I started playing cozy games, they didn’t even have a name yet. Harvest Moon 64, Animal Crossing, Pokemon Stadium. The stakes were low, the gameplay loop was addictive, and the vibes were immaculate.
Nowadays, “cozy games” refers to a genre of video games that prioritize creating a sense of warmth, comfort, and relaxation for players. These games typically focus on providing a calming and soothing experience, often in contrast to the high-stress and intense nature of many mainstream video games.
Cozy games aim to evoke feelings of contentment, tranquility, and peacefulness, making them an attractive option for players who are looking to unwind and de-stress.
Characteristics of Cozy Games
My favorite thing about cozy games is that many of them have innovative and surprising gameplay elements. They create their own mechanics, exploration, and storytelling unencumbered from the pressure of mainstream games’ trends.
However, if I had to craft a summary, here are a few characteristics you might find in the average cozy game:
- Ambient Atmosphere: Cozy games often feature serene and aesthetically pleasing environments, such as picturesque landscapes, cozy interiors, or charming villages. The visuals, music, and soundscapes work together to create a calming ambience.
- Low-Stress Gameplay: Gameplay in cozy games is typically gentle and low-stress. These games avoid intense challenges or competitive mechanics, opting for mechanics that are easy to grasp and don’t require fast reflexes or quick decision-making.
- Exploration and Creativity: Cozy games often encourage exploration of the game world at a leisurely pace. Players may be able to engage in creative activities like crafting, decorating, gardening, or building, allowing them to shape their virtual spaces in a relaxed way.
- Story-Driven: Many cozy games emphasize storytelling and character interactions. These narratives are often heartwarming, emotional, or contemplative, contributing to the overall cozy atmosphere.
- Community and Relationships: Some cozy games emphasize building relationships with in-game characters or even offer multiplayer features that allow players to connect and cooperate in a laid-back manner.
- Minimal Time Pressure: Cozy games tend to be less time-sensitive, allowing players to progress at their own pace. This removes the pressure to achieve specific objectives within tight time constraints.
- Meditative Gameplay: Many cozy games offer meditative gameplay experiences, where players can engage in repetitive tasks or activities that promote a sense of mindfulness and relaxation.
The Genres That Embrace Coziness
Cozy games come in various styles and genres, each offering a unique blend of comfort and engaging gameplay. My favorites are farming sims, personally, and I consume them like I need them to breathe. I also find puzzle games calming and satisfying.
In case you want more variety, here are some of the different types and genres of cozy games:
1. Farming Simulators
Games like Stardew Valley, the Harvest Moon games, and the Story of Seasons games allow players to manage a farm, plant crops, raise animals, and build relationships with the local community. These games often emphasize the joy of nurturing and cultivating your land.
2. Life Simulators
Life simulation games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Sims enable players to create and customize their own virtual life. Players can build homes, develop relationships, participate in activities, and decorate their surroundings. Decorating your space is often a big thematic appeal, as seen by the wildly talented players who share their Animal Crossing islands online for others to view.
3. Exploration and Adventure
Games like Journey, ABZÛ, and A Short Hike focus on exploration and journeying through visually captivating landscapes. These games emphasize discovery, tranquility, and emotional storytelling. I have always appreciated the meandering pace of these games but what really stands out is the art direction. Truly making video games “high art.”
4. Puzzles and Brain Teasers
Puzzle games such as Monument Valley and Feed All Monsters combine artistic visuals with calming puzzles that challenge the mind without inducing stress. The gameplay is often meditative and introspective. I love these ones because they can often be played on your phone, making them a great work commute companion.
5. Management & Building
Simulation and management games like Two Point Hospital, Cities: Skylines II, and Planet Zoo let players create and oversee various types of environments, from hospitals to cities to zoos. These games provide a sense of control and creativity. Sim City was an old favorite of mine.
6. Visual Novels
Visual novels like Kind Words (lo fi chill beats to write to), Necrobarista, and Coffee Talk focus on storytelling, dialogue, and emotional connections. Players often take on the role of a character interacting with others in meaningful ways. Folks who like reading (me!) will appreciate this type of games. The themes aren’t always “cozy” though, so make your picks with caution if that concerns you.
7. Crafting and Creativity
Crafting/building-centric games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Minecraft encourage players to build, craft, and create in a flexible sandbox environment. The emphasis is on creative expression and building at your own pace. Players have crafted amazing things in Minecraft, showing that the game is whatever you want to make of it.
8. Relaxation and Mindfulness
Games like Wattam provide players with unique and abstract experiences that promote relaxation, introspection, and a sense of wonder. Sometimes these are closer to habit apps, but I enjoy the gamification none-the-less.
9. Music and Rhythm
Music and rhythm games like Patapon and No Straight Roads can offer a cozy experience through their soothing music, rhythmic gameplay, and artistic visuals. If you listen to music to unwind, these are probably for you.
10. Social and Community-Building
Social simulation games like Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles and Animal Crossing let players engage with a virtual community, tackle quests, and contribute to the growth of their surroundings. Cozy games tend to champion community, relationships, and inclusivity so it’s no wonder these games are popular.
These are just a few examples, and the cozy games genre continues to evolve with new titles and innovations. Cozy games provide players with a diverse range of options for experiencing relaxation, creativity, and a break from the more intense aspects of gaming and life.
The Psychological Benefits of Playing Cozy Games
I don’t know about you but cozy games really help me with stress and anxiety. They are basically my happy place. For many, playing cozy games can offer a variety of benefits, especially for individuals seeking relaxation, stress relief, and a break from the fast-paced nature of many other video games. Video games in general are known to stimulate creativity and focus; teach teamwork; and improve memory.
I hope the benefits of cozy games are studied in-depth one day. But I have my hypotheses regardless!
Here are some potential benefits that might come from playing cozy games:
- Stress Reduction: Cozy games are designed to create a calm and soothing atmosphere, which can help reduce stress and anxiety. The gentle gameplay, relaxing visuals, and soothing music can contribute to a sense of tranquility.
- Mental Relaxation: Engaging in low-stress activities within cozy games, such as gardening, crafting, or exploring serene landscapes, can provide a form of mental relaxation and escape from daily pressures.
- Mindfulness and Focus: Many cozy games encourage players to take their time, be present in the moment, and participate in mindful activities. This can improve focus and promote a sense of well-being.
- Emotional Respite: Cozy games often feature heartwarming stories and character interactions that evoke positive emotions. Playing these games can provide a welcome emotional respite and a chance to experience empathy and connection.
- Creativity and Expression: Games that allow players to design and decorate spaces, create art, or customize characters encourage creative expression. This can be especially therapeutic for individuals who enjoy creative outlets.
- Positive Gaming Experience: Cozy games offer a different gaming experience from high-stress or competitive games. They can be a refreshing change of pace and provide a positive and uplifting environment.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Cozy games often have achievable goals and milestones that provide players with a sense of accomplishment and progress, without the pressure of challenging gameplay.
- Connection with Nature: Many cozy games feature natural environments, like farms, forests, and beaches. These virtual landscapes can provide a sense of connection to nature, even if players are indoors.
- Community and Social Interaction: Some cozy games have multiplayer or social features that allow players to interact in a friendly manner. They also tend to have safety censorship so players can’t swear or drop slurs, which makes folks feel more welcomed.
- Escape from Reality: Cozy games offer an opportunity to escape from the demands of everyday life and immerse oneself in a peaceful virtual world.
- Therapeutic Value: Cozy games can have therapeutic value for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, or even certain medical conditions. They can provide a gentle form of entertainment and distraction.
- Cultivating Patience: Many cozy games involve gradual progress and development. Playing these games can help cultivate patience and a willingness to take things slowly.
- Family-Friendly Entertainment: Cozy games are often family-friendly and suitable for players of all ages. They can be enjoyed by individuals, as well as by families looking for shared, wholesome gaming experiences.
Cozy games can potentially provide a wide range of benefits that cater to players who are looking for relaxation, emotional engagement, and a sense of well-being through their gaming experiences. I think the lived experience of cozy gamers speaks for itself, as many express that they play them to de-stress.
Top 10 Must-Play Cozy Games
Here are 10 of the best cozy games for anyone new to the genre to try. I hope you see your favorites features here or find a new cozy vibe that you love.
- Stardew Valley – A farming sim game where players can grow crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and build relationships with the townspeople.
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A life simulation game for Nintendo Switch that lets players build and customize their own island paradise, interact with anthropomorphic animal villagers, and engage in various activities.
- Coffee Talk – A visual novel that takes place in a cozy coffee shop, where players interact with customers, listen to their stories, and prepare drinks.
- Cozy Grove – A cute, story-rich game where the player helps various spirits with their troubles; synced to real world time, like Animal Crossing!
- Disney Dreamlight Valley -Wholesome game from Disney with light questing, tons of customization and decoration, and all the characters you know and love from the company.
- Rainbow Billy – Unique combo of platformer and creature-collector with cute characters and colorful graphics.
- Little Witch in the Woods – Tiny exploration game about foraging for resources and putting them to use making potions and fulfilling quests; currently early access!
- I love Hue 2 – Free mobile game that has become a hit in puzzle game circles; a colorful tale of making things match!
- Fae Farm – Cozy gamer adventure game about farming and dungeon diving heavily featured at PAX West 2023; can be played online with up to 4
- Cookie Clicker – Silly idle clicker game about building a baking empire with cookies, plus an addictive soundtrack by C418.
Cozy Gaming Communities
You can find communities of players who enjoy cozy games on various online platforms. Here are a few places where you can connect with fellow cozy game enthusiasts:
Subreddits like r /cozygamers and r/cozygames often have discussions, recommendations, and community interactions related to cozy games.
Discord
Discord servers dedicated to cozy gaming can be great places to chat, share experiences, and find others to play with. Look for servers using keywords like “cozy games” or the names of specific cozy games you enjoy.
Steam Community
Many cozy games have their own Steam Community pages where players gather to discuss the video game, share tips, and connect.
Gaming Forums
Gaming forums like ResetEra , NeoGAF , and GameFAQs might have specific subforums or threads where cozy games are discussed.
Social Media Groups
Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram often have groups or hashtags related to cozy gaming. You can search for these using relevant keywords.
Twitch and YouTube
Content creators often play and stream cozy games. You can find communities through comments, live chats, and forums associated with these platforms. Right now I’m personally loving PhalafelCosplays. I also love The Sims speed building channels like Gryphi .
Gaming Subscriptions
Platforms like Patreon often have creators who specialize in cozy games. By subscribing, you might gain access to exclusive communities and content. An example of this is Cozy K, whose Patreon subscription will get you access to a like-minded chat community.
Game-Specific Subreddits and Forums
For popular cozy games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing New Horizons, you can join dedicated subreddits or official game forums to connect with other players.
Indie Game Communities
Websites like itch.io often host forums and discussions for indie games, including cozy ones. You can also explore indie gaming subreddits.
Gaming Events
There are actually a few gaming events that spotlight cozy games and indie darlings! I would recommend starting Wholesome Games Direct and following what they do on social media and YouTube.
Local Gaming Groups
Check if there are local gaming meetups or groups in your area where you can connect with fellow cozy game enthusiasts in person.
Remember that the key to finding a welcoming community is to engage in conversations, share your experiences, and be respectful of others. Each platform might have its own set of rules and etiquette, so make sure to familiarize yourself with them.
Conclusion
Cozy games have been around for a long time but I think we are just beginning to categorize them in a way that makes sense. What do farming sims, dating sims, home design, and puzzles all have in common? They’re cozy! It can be hard to explain but cozy gamers just “get it.” I hope my blog provides some clarity around the genre as it grows and changes.
Stay cozy, gamers!
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