"Cozy games" existed as early as 1996, but the term wasn't coined until
2016. Cozy games describe types of games that are low stress, joyful and
bite-sized. Different elements of cozy games tend to be life or farming
simulating, low risk, and relaxing either through texts, colors, music,
or character types.
Although I missed the
Harvest Moon
era,
The Sims
was my first introduction to cozy goodness.
As a teen, I was excited to buy a home, decorate the interior and
exterior, and customize my adult self. Today, cozy games can even go
beyond life simulation, and put the gamer in a fantasy world.
My current, favorite cozy games include
Animal Crossing: New Horizons,
a game where the player becomes the owner of an island they can decorate
and move in animal villagers,
Cozy Grove,
where players own an explanding camping site where one has to free the
spirit of different bear scouts,
Stardew Valley,
where one inherits their grandfather's farm and bring it back to life,
and finally
Spiritfarer,
where one is a single shipmate, readying the ship as home for
animal-like ghost spirits needing to get home. Cozy games are the
perfect getaway for a relaxing, fun, and comfy vibe directly from your
home.
➡Check out games mentioned here!