In Stardew Valley, you take on the role of a small, pixelated character who receives a dilapidated farm from your grandfather in the serene village of Pelican Town. Your daily life revolves around nurturing crops, revitalizing the land, and fostering friendships with the eccentric locals. This uncomplicated, rural existence lies at the core of Stardew Valley, a farming simulation game launched in 2016 that transformed the mundane task of gathering turnips into a profoundly fulfilling and communal adventure.
Since its introduction, Stardew Valley has sold more than 41 million copies, establishing itself as a cornerstone title in the rising genre of “cozy games”—a category of video games that emphasize relaxation, emotional bonds, and low-pressure gameplay.
Cozy Games: A New Era of Gaming
Mary Kish, currently the Head of Community at Twitch, was one of the initial reviewers of Stardew Valley when it was released. In her GameSpot review, she characterized the game as “meditative” and emotionally impactful, commending its ability to ignite curiosity and hope. Kish reminisces about how engaging with the game allowed her to relax and even enhanced her sleep quality. “I had Stardew dreams—the best dreams I’ve ever had,” she shared. “I woke up with a sense of agency.”
Stardew Valley resonated with players who were becoming weary of fast-paced, high-stakes games like shoot-’em-ups. It provided a softer alternative, encouraging gamers to take their time and savor the moment. Kish considers it the quintessential cozy game for today’s audience.
Since then, cozy gaming has quietly blossomed. Twitch’s “chill” tag was the most-viewed in 2024 and has already appeared in over 3.4 million streams in 2025. Titles like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing continue to lead both sales rankings and streaming services.
What Makes a Game Cozy?
Cozy games are generally low-stimulation, visually gentle, and emotionally calming. They often replicate everyday experiences—such as running a café or cleaning a town with a power washer—and seldom concentrate on winning. Instead, they welcome players to appreciate the journey.
The genre saw tremendous growth during the pandemic, providing a digital sanctuary during a period of increased anxiety and isolation. Numerous players reported that cozy games assisted them in relaxing, achieving meditative states, and alleviating stress.
The Science Behind Cozy Gaming
Kurt Squire, a professor of informatics at UC Irvine, states, “Engaging in genuine play is beneficial and restorative.” Research backs this up, indicating that video games can help players reach meditative flow states—particularly when crafted with mindfulness in mind.
The Center for Healthy Minds released a 2019 study demonstrating that specially tailored games could aid young players in enhancing focus and emotional control. Tammi Kral, one of the study’s authors, underscores that simply having calming visuals isn’t sufficient—game mechanics must also be intuitive and free from frustration to genuinely relax players.
Games with low learning curves and minimal stress can even lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Casual gamers have displayed improved mood recovery and reduced heart rates after engaging with cozy titles, with one study highlighting the emotional advantages of playing the delightful puzzle game Sushi Cat 2—complete with adorable kittens.
A Shift in Digital Culture
Cozy games have now become fundamental to the streaming landscape, with creators like JubileeWhispers and Cozy.Games cultivating communities around them. These streamers often pair gameplay with ASMR elements, providing soothing commentary as they navigate titles like Tiny Glade or Super Mario Odyssey.
Kennedy, the mastermind behind Cozy.Games, found cozy gaming during her law studies as a means to unwind. She discovered comfort in the genre and a supportive community on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Her inaugural cozy game, Harvest Moon, provided a moment of tranquility she hadn’t encountered in other genres. “This is where I want to be forever,” she remembers thinking.
For Kennedy, cozy gaming has transformed her approach to mental health and self-awareness. “Sometimes your brain’s not ready to engage in an activity,” she mentions. “You just need a little ‘brain off’ time.”
Currently, major developers like Nintendo and Xbox are embracing cozy games, which have now earned their own category at The Game Awards. Despite this expansion, the cozy gaming community has largely remained supportive and inclusive—an exception in an industry frequently marred by toxicity and harassment.
Kral points out that cozy gaming spaces can be particularly advantageous for marginalized groups, such as trans gamers and people of color. These communities provide a safe, low-pressure space where players can find belonging and identity.
Watching Cozy Games Is Beneficial, Too
Even observing cozy games can create a soothing effect. Kish observes that Twitch viewers often seek out streams not only for entertainment but also for a sense of shared experience and emotional connection. “You’re not just watching a game—you’re hanging out with the streamer and the chat,” she explains.
According to researchers like Squire and Kral, watching someone else play a cozy game can provide its own set of relaxing benefits.