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“Are cozy games relaxing to you?” That’s what I asked my niece as we chatted about Stardew Valley. Somewhere between Excel sheets and obsessive note-taking, I started to wonder—cozy games were supposed to be an escape from real-life stress, not a full-time job I never applied for. People often question my love for these games, especially since I don’t even like farming or fishing in real life. But that’s exactly what makes them so great—I get to enjoy the charm of farm life without ever leaving the comfort of my room.
When the pandemic hit, everything outside felt chaotic, but I felt a sense of normalcy through cozy gaming. Most of these games are heavily structured around routines, just like in real life. There’s also family, friends, and an opportunity to find partners. It’s like having your own version of growing up in a small town. There’s even a sense of peace, even when I’m battling demons in caves and trying to save my crops before winter.
Cozy games aren’t limited to just farming anymore. Over the years, they’ve expanded into different genres like dressing-up games and organization games.
Some people do not consider cozy gamers to be “real gamers.” Most associate real gaming with gore and heavy-hitting graphics. However, I can attest that the 600+ hours I’ve spent in games like Stardew Valley and Two Point Hospital still make me feel like the grind never stops. What they don’t tell you is how deceptively chill these games are. I can never play them casually, because I’ll be broke if I don’t make enough money to build my barn or feed my chickens.
Many of the new cozy games like Disney Dreamlight Valley, Mineko’s Night Market, and Rune Factory 5 involve daily goals. There are times when I’d rather turn to games with instant gratification, like Mobile Legends or Call of Duty, because cozy games really require time and patience before you see their fruits—quite literally.
One thing I’m sure of: it was never casual. As a natural storyteller and daydreamer, cozy games feel like an immersive extension of my imagination. Sometimes it’s chaotic, but most of the time, they serve as a gentle reminder of how beautiful life can be.
Matcha-fueled shoujo heroine who loves gaming.