The tough question: what is cozy?
The tough question: what is cozy?
What makes a game "cozy" for you? That special feeling you get, like you're wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy day. It doesn't always have to be all rainbows and sunshine for me, although I love games like Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, and Slime Rancher which definitely give off the cute vibes.
But it can also have a bit of a darker side. Take Night in the Woods for instance. Sure, it has its dark moments, but it still feels homey and familiar. And Spiritfarer. Anyone else feel the same way?
I think a warning might be good when recommending certain cozy games, but overall I still think those "darker" ones earn the title. Or should cozy mean absolutely only unicorns and flower patterns?
As a person who can’t really pin down a good definition for “cozy game,” I’ve noticed that a lot of games frequently considered cozy tend to have a smaller focus. You’re not saving the world or killing gods. You’re focusing on your farming operation (yes, you basically single-handedly revive your local community in Stardew and Animal Crossing but it’s still just one small town), seeing some spirits you get to know personally off to the afterlife, exploring a small area, or developing relationships with others.
Also noticed that there’s a focus on something other than beating up and/or killing enemies. It may still be possible to engage in combat, but it’s not the main focus.