What are cozy games, anyway?
Even as creatures of habit, human beings are not immune to the stress and boredom of a repetitive schedule. In a world full of responsibilities, virtual world-building is the cozy escape you may be looking for.
Often characterized by their life-simulation style, cozy games carry themes of nurture, gratitude and positive self-growth. Most feature anthropomorphic non-playable characters (NPCs) that the player can socialize and interact with, sometimes even building relationships within the game.
In a broader sense, cozy gaming provides a virtual escape for players, letting them create their own world and explore self-expression in an open-ended space. Cozy gaming is a comfort that is readily available to anyone needing a break from a mundane reality.
Minecraft
A classic game like “Minecraft” has captivated the attention of gamers for 13 years. Players can choose their own adventure in the sandbox-style game, either taking on enemies and strengthening in combat or choosing the creative route and crafting a little world.
“In Minecraft, building houses is fun, you have your own little creation,” sophomore Jacob Wallace said.
Whether you are a hardcore gamer or just looking for a fun activity in between studying, video games can help you wind down after a long day.
“Gaming calms you down and it’s fun, it’s like a reset. Playing with friends is nice, it’s [fun] and it’s not stressful,” Wallace said.
Baba Is You
Beyond their relaxing properties, cozy video games can exercise critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In the indie puzzle game “Baba Is You,” players can alter the properties of objects and change the bounds of the game in order to get their character to the finish flag. As junior Sana puts it, “cozy gaming has really positive effects [on my mood and] makes me think about life in new ways.”
“Baba Is You [caused me to go] down a biology rabbit hole and I learned about abiogenesis (the theory that life originated from non-living matter) and [got invested in that],” EndamneWamba said.
Because of the accessibility of cozy games on multiple platforms like IOS phones and Mac computers, players can get invested in the puzzles of their virtual worlds at any time.
“[I usually play games when] I’m at school, during break or lunch [and] I just feel like doing something with [my] hands,” EndamneWamba said. “Usually, I play them when I finish homework and I still have time.”
EndamneWamba expressed how cozy games have had a personal impact on them, positively affecting their way of thinking and reaction to difficult situations.
“[Baba Is You taught me that] trial and error is a lot easier than trying to [find an immediate solution] and getting stuck. […] It’s really cool, it really makes you think.”
Stardew Valley
With themes of community building in an open-ended game, “Stardew Valley” takes the farm lifestyle to heart. A storyline is woven throughout gameplay, as your character transitions from the mundanity of an office job to the peace and solitude of a small farming village, much like the escapism that a player might be looking for.
“[Stardew allows] you to start back from zero [and create your own home], instead of going through the daily stress from sitting at a desk for nine hours. You get to live this dream of living in a community, making new friends and living [a relaxed life],” sophomore Dash Habecker said.
Multiplayer modes are available to gamers that are wishing to cultivate their farm with a team. Community gameplay with friends can enhance the Stardew experience and even help players gain achievements faster.
“The biggest reward is playing with friends because it makes everything way more fun. Everything you do feels so much better because someone else is seeing it. You’re talking together and just having fun. [You] can make any game [into a] chill experience [just by] being with friends,” Habecker said.
Within the storyline, Stardew guides the player to build friendships with the NPCs and find their own place in the alternate universe. Players can even form romantic relationships with the NPCs if they choose, giving the game another layer of personal connection.
“I really appreciate the lore of all the different characters in the game, because it gives them all these personalities that the game wouldn’t feel right without. […] The community feels so alive, and the world-building [format] definitely helps that [vibe],” Habecker said.
Whether it’s someone’s first download or a new addition to a game collection, Stardew is an easy and engaging cozy game for anyone looking for a new world to dive into.
“Stardew Valley is very welcoming to new players because you don’t have any rush to do things,” Habecker said. “There’s so many ways to play, you don’t have to do it [in] one specific way. There’s no stress attached to doing something wrong. […] There’s no real threats.”
Author’s Picks
Spiritfarer – Mobile / Steam / Switch / Playstation
Traveling from sea to sea, Stella helps grant the final wishes of the spirits she encounters and accompanies them into the afterlife. “Spiritfarer’s” story can help players reason with their own troubles, providing a comforting outlook on grief and acceptance.
A Little To The Left – Steam / Switch / Playstation
If puzzles are your jam, “A Little to the Left” is the game for you! Organize drawers and cabinets into neat patterns while keeping out for the destructive paws of a mischievous cat.