What Makes a Game Cozy?

Getting ready to play some Animal Crossing!

Over the past few years, you may have seen people use the term cozy to describe their favorite genre of media, particularly video games.

If you're new to the term, you may be wondering what makes a game “cozy”. The word may seem vague and vast, but there are several characteristics of the genre that make it easy to tell where a game falls in terms of category.

Low Stakes Gameplay

Cozy games allow players to enjoy a more relaxed approach to gaming. These games focus more on creating a casual and relaxing atmosphere than on intense and complex gameplay. With lower stakes, you can allow yourself to be less worried about failure and punishment and instead focus on the satisfaction that comes from playing a game.

Many games punish their players. Lose too much health? Your character dies. Run out of time? You lose the level. Cozy games are a reprieve from the rush and allow players to relax, sit back, and breathe.

Games like Animal Crossing, A Short Hike, and Unpacking.

Inclusivity

Everyone wants to feel like they belong in the world, and cozy games can be that safe space that some people go to to feel comforted and valued. This can be anything from gender identity to culture, but the main point is to be seen, heard, and welcomed.

Our identity is what makes us who we are. Finding a safe space to just let ourselves be can mean more than you may think. To many, games are a place where we can be free to be anything we dream of, but sometimes we just want to be ourselves. Cozy games can allow players to be a part of a welcoming community and relax as they play their favorite game.

Games like Wylde Flowers and Coral Island.

Play at Your Pace

Many games on the market require you to complete goals in certain time frames or have fast-paced gameplay. Cozy games remove all that and let you explore and play at your own pace. Many offer several different activities that you can choose from and unlimited time to do them, such as fishing, farming, or exploration.

This is a big factor for cozy games. When we have a limited time to relax during the day, some people want to spend it not having to worry about rushing around and completing specific tasks. Cozy games allow us to set our own pace and spend our time enjoying the little things in life.

Games like Stardew Valley and Fae Farm.

Cozy gaming is making a rise in the gaming industry, and it’s no small wonder why. What I’ve covered here is only a few of the reasons that people love cozy games, so why not grab one and see what makes them special for you?

If you want more articles like this, feel free to leave a comment and check back for more. Thanks for reading!