What Are Cozy Games ? - a sleepy creative

Cozy gaming is a term that has been floating around a lot these last few years, but what exactly does it mean? If you’ve ever curled up with a game that makes you feel warm, safe, and relaxed, chances are you’ve experienced cozy gaming without even realizing it. In this post, we’ll dive into what cozy gaming is, why it’s become so popular, and what games are perfect for a cozy gaming session.

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What is Cozy Gaming?

Cozy gaming, sometimes called comfort gaming, is all about playing games that create a sense of relaxation and joy. These games often have a slower pace, charming aesthetics, and gameplay that doesn’t stress you out. While some people think cozy games need to fit a specific mold (like farming simulators or life sims) the truth is, cozy gaming is personal. And what some people consider cozy, other might not!

If a game makes you feel at ease, it’s cozy for you. For example, one person might find peace in tending to their virtual crops in Stardew Valley, while another might unwind by exploring the vast world of Breath of the Wild. There’s no right or wrong answer here.

What Makes a Game Cozy?

While cozy games can belong to different genres, they usually have a few things in common:

Relaxing gameplay – No rush, no pressure, just you and your own pace.
Wholesome vibe – A vibe that makes you feel good overall.
Minimal stress or combat – Some games might have combat, but it’s usually not the main focus.
Beautiful or charming visuals – Soft colors, cute designs, and welcoming environments.
Comfortable soundtracks – Calming background music that makes you want to stay in the game forever.

Many cozy games focus on farming, decorating, exploration, or storytelling rather than intense action or competitive play. The games don’t have to check all the points to be considered cozy, and as always, it depends on what you truly like. ♥

What Are the Benefits of Cozy Gaming?

Cozy gaming offers a range of benefits beyond just relaxation. Here are some ways cozy games can positively impact players:

Stress relief – Playing a relaxing game can help lower stress and improve mood.
Mental well-being – The gentle gameplay and wholesome themes can provide comfort and emotional support. For example, games like Gris or Spiritfarer gave me peace and support during grief.
Creativity boost – Many cozy games encourage creativity, whether it’s designing a home in Animal Crossing or creating pixel art in Stardew Valley.
Social connection – Cozy games often have friendly online communities where players can share experiences and support one another.
Mindfulness – The slow-paced nature of cozy games allows players to focus on the present moment and enjoy simple joys.

You might also get other benefits from cozy gaming that I haven’t listed there. But these are the most common ones!

When Did Cozy Gaming Become Popular?

Cozy games have always been around, but they became a major trend during the pandemic. With so many people stuck indoors, gaming became an escape, and many turned to soothing, low-stress games for comfort.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which launched in early 2020, became the ultimate cozy game for millions. As the sales of the Nintendo Switch skyrocketed, so did the cozy gaming trend. Players found joy in decorating their islands, chatting with adorable villagers, and visiting friends online. This game helped cozy gaming become a mainstream trend, but even before that, games like Harvest Moon, The Sims, and Stardew Valley had already built a strong cozy gaming community.

Why Do People Love Cozy Games?

Just like any cozy hobby, cozy games provide a safe, pressure-free space to relax and unwind. In today’s world, the stress quickly builds up, and we need ways to release. While some people release stress playing dynamic games like FPS, others just want to relax in front of a stress-free game. Cozy games allow players to step into beautiful, peaceful worlds where they can go at their own pace.

So for some, cozy gaming is a way to de-stress after a long day. For others, it’s a way to connect with friends and share wholesome experiences. The cozy gaming community is also incredibly welcoming, especially for people who might not feel comfortable in the more competitive or high-stakes gaming spaces.

Are Cozy Games Considered Real Games?

Absolutely! There’s sometimes a misconception that cozy games aren’t “real” games because they don’t have intense action or difficult challenges. And some people still don’t consider “cozy games” “real games”. But gaming is about enjoyment, and cozy games provide that in their own way. While not everyone likes cozy games, no one can deny that they are games nonetheless.

Cozy games require just as much creativity, skill, and thought as other types of games. They might not demand quick reflexes or strategic combat, but they do offer rich storytelling, emotional depth, and engaging mechanics. The beauty of gaming is that it comes in all forms, and cozy games are just as valid and important as any other genre!

How to Become a Cozy Gamer?

Want to dive into the world of cozy gaming? Here’s how you can get started:

Find games that make you feel good – Look for games with calming gameplay, charming visuals, and wholesome themes.
Create a cozy gaming setup – Soft lighting, comfy seating, and a warm drink can make your gaming experience even more relaxing.
Play at your own pace – Cozy gaming isn’t about competition or high-stakes challenges; take your time and enjoy the journey.
Join cozy gaming communities – There are many online groups dedicated to cozy gaming where you can find recommendations and connect with like-minded players.
Make gaming a self-care routine – Cozy gaming can be a great way to unwind at the end of the day or take a break when you need some relaxation.

The Best Cozy Games to Play

If you’re looking to start your cozy gaming journey, here are some great games to check out. They’re tackling various aspects of the cozy gaming world, so you can try a bit of everything and get to know what you like!

Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Life Sim) – Build your dream island, decorate your home, and befriend cute animal villagers. (Switch)
Stardew Valley (Farming Simulator) – A relaxing farming sim where you can grow crops, raise animals, and even find love. (Computer, Switch, Mobile)
Note : if you want a game that is very similar to Stardew Valley, but with a more girly aesthetic, I suggest “Fields of Mistria”!
Unpacking (Puzzle/Simulation) – A unique puzzle game about unpacking boxes and making a house feel like home. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
Coffee Talk (Visual Novel/Simulation) – Serve drinks, chat with customers, and enjoy a cozy café atmosphere. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
Spiritfarer (Adventure/Management) – A heartfelt adventure where you help lost spirits find peace. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
A Short Hike (Exploration/Adventure) – Explore a beautiful island, meet friendly characters, and take in the peaceful scenery. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
Disney Dreamlight Valley (Life Sim/Adventure) – A life-sim filled with Disney magic and fun activities. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
Gris (Platformer/Art Game) – A stunning indie game with emotional storytelling and breathtaking visuals. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox)
Mineko’s Night Market (Adventure/Simulation) – A charming game about cats, markets, and adventure. (Computer, Switch)
Good Pizza, Great Pizza (Cooking Simulator) – A cozy cooking simulator in which you prepare pizzas for your customers. (Mobile)
Infinity Nikki (Open-World Dress-Up) – A beautiful open-world dress-up adventure with relaxing gameplay. (Computer, PlayStation, Mobile)
Cozy Grove (Life Sim/Adventure) – A charming game where you help friendly ghost bears and bring color back to a haunted island. (Computer, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile)
The Sims (Life Sim/Building) – Create and control virtual lives, build homes, and shape unique stories. (Computer, Console, Mobile)
Tiny Glade (Building/Relaxation) – A peaceful, freeform building game with no pressure or objectives. (Computer)
Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Open-World Adventure) – While not traditionally cozy, the open-world exploration and peaceful moments make it a great cozy game for many. (Switch)

If you want more recommendations, check out these articles:

Final Thoughts

Cozy gaming isn’t about strict rules or specific genres, it’s about how a game makes you feel. If a game helps you relax and brings you joy, it’s a cozy game for you! And while these last years have been heavily focusing on Farming simulators in the cozy gaming sphere, we’re slowly seeing new gems coming out! Whether you love farming sims, puzzle games, or open-world adventures, there’s a cozy experience out there waiting for you. ♥

So, grab a warm drink, wrap yourself in a blanket, and dive into the cozy gaming world. Happy gaming!