By Staff Writer Cyrena Nielsen
Video games have been a central part of entertainment for decades. From Super Mario Bros. to Call of Duty, a lot of people have a favorite character to disconnect from their usual day-to-day activities with. When you type in “cozy gamer” in any social media search bar, you’ll find creators who specialize in the genre and even set up their gaming area to match the theme of the games they are playing.
In recent trends, we have seen the rise of “cozy gaming” that some gamers are implementing in their self-care routines. These games are designed with cute characters, ambient music, and inclusivity. We saw this especially during the pandemic with Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Most of my friends were buying the game since it allowed us to spend time with each other on our islands. A perfect substitute for texting or video calls.
So, what is it about cozy gaming that gives us a different experience from other games, such as GTA and even Tetris? In one recent release, Fae Farm, you’re given access to an open world that gives you quests to take on. The quests include things such as creating a critter conservatory or making berry jam. While there are enemies to defeat, they are designed in a way that feels less threatening, such as a clock or compass. The characters are inclusive, with one being in a wheelchair.
The best part of these games is that there doesn’t seem to be a restrictive age limit. Fae Farm has an age rating of 8+ years-old due to the instances of fighting enemies, but it’s never gruesome.
With laid back missions that never feel pressing, it’s safe to say this is the perfect genre for those that enjoy gaming but want something low stakes. In a world that seems to throw a new stressor our way every day, we need games like this to unwind. It’s the perfect self-care routine in one little screen.