Turns out that the majority of games suck. In every genre. There are just fewer cozy games so there aren’t as many stand out hits to choose from.

Cosy games are meant to be relaxing, almost stress-free experiences that revolve around repetition and reward playing them in small doses each day. I can understand why hardcore gamers don’t like them, but at the same time they’re not made for them.

These trailers have started to blend together for me, and I think that’s the issue. They might have a “nice vibe”, but that alone isn’t enough. What makes your game unique and fun to play? Sell me on that!

Well, I’m making one so i guess i can’t say they suck. I do feel like a lot of them aren’t great games, though. As in, they create a good vibe but they often lack solid gameplay. I think the writing in some I’ve played leans far too much into awkward and insecure characterizations too, and that gets tiring for me quickly. I’m trying to avoid those pitfalls in mine.

There’s this concept in game design called game flow, which in simple terms is essentially what happens when a game is both engaging and challenging at just the right amounts to the point where you get immersed in the experience. You can’t have good flow without both some challenge and reward.

That’s why games that are too simple and/or easy are boring. I feel like that’s a very fine line you have to walk if you want to make a “cozy” game. How relaxing is relaxing enough without being boring? You need a minimum of challenge and stakes, because that’s makes good games good.

Hmm I guess “cozy” games are a genre, but I kinda felt like they are games that make you feel cozy, fun without the stress. If a game sucks then I don’t know I’d consider it “cozy”.

Probably the best cozy game that I’ve played in recent times has been Thank Goodness You’re Here. It’s an incredibly quirky and zany romp through a northern British town full of lively characters and great visuals. The soundtrack is honestly probably one of the best OSTs around in recent years, too. Your only controls are movement, jumping, and slapping things to interact with them.

The entire game can be finished in about 3-ish hours depending on how often you stop to just interact with the world. I honestly can’t recommend the game enough, and I’m not even English.

I think you should play whatever the fuck you enjoy and anyone who criticizes you for it can eat shit

Are there cozy games that aren’t Stardew Valley?