Cozy gaming took off big-time during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been enjoying consistent success ever since. These games are characterized by low-stakes narrative, simple gameplay, and aesthetically pleasing visuals. These games provide a stress-free zone for gamers and are perfect for relaxation and downtime, but the reasons for their popularity run much deeper than this. 

The Opposite of High Stakes Play

Many gamers are attracted to gaming because of the thrill often associated with the industry. These kinds of players repeatedly gravitate towards competitive eSports titles like Fortnite and League of Legends, where they can be rewarded monetary prizes for their success, the glamorous high roller online casino world, where they are given golden VIP treatment to engage in high-stakes casino games or even narrative-driven, fast-paced horror video games like the instalments seen in the Silent Hill and Outlast franchises.

Cozy games are categorically not for these kinds of gamers. Instead, cozy games speak to an audience of gamers who want to relax and take their time with games. Gamers who aren’t interested in ‘being the best’ or winning, but simply want to enjoy the act of gaming itself, and there are several reasons why this might be the case.

Mental Well-Being

We live in a very fast-paced world, driven by deadlines and expectations. The constant drive to do more, produce more, and be more can cause quite a significant amount of stress on the human psyche.

Cozy games, however, emerge as the perfect antidote to this stress. These games allow players to take their time, progress at their own leisure, and simply enjoy the games for what they are. This, in turn, means that cosy games are highly supportive of our mental well-being. 

Comfort

Unlike many of the most popular genres of gaming, cozy games tend not to have deep or emotional narratives. This does not mean that they are in any way shallow, but rather that they are designed to improve mood and offer a sense of comfort to the player, not seen anywhere else in the gaming world.

Escapism

A recent omnibus study by Sago on cozy games revealed the various responses people gave when asked why they play cozy games. In this study, an incredible 52% stated ‘ I love getting lost in a world where I can play at my own pace’ as a reason for picking up these kinds of games.

Cozy games often display idealized worlds, free from the everyday pressure we associate with our modern lives. As such, many of these games offer a calming and healthy form of escapism for players and can even inspire them to add more whimsy and wonder to their own lives, too.

A Challenge 

Just because cozy games tend to have low stakes and be easier to follow than fast-paced action or horror games, this doesn’t make them automatically easy to complete. In fact, many people are now looking for cozy games that expertly balance comfort and familiarity with difficult gameplay, such as through the integration of puzzles. Cozy games are certainly not boring, and many do provide players seeking a bit more of a challenge the opportunity to find it.