Chilled-out gaming
Cosy games will help you to relax on your console or phone.
Games can be stressful, especially if you’re playing online against other people and worrying about letting your friends down.
There are other kinds of games that can help you relax, though. In recent years they have been given their own genre (a group of things with a similar style) called “cosy games”.
Cosy games often don’t have time limits or high scores, and they are designed to be played at your own pace, as fast or slow as you feel comfortable with. They often have cute and colourful graphics too.
One new example of a cosy game is
A Tiny Sticker Tale. You play a donkey called Flynn, who sets off on a journey carrying a magic sticker album. The twist is that the stickers you collect can be used to help Flynn through the different quests he has to complete. For example, a bridge sticker can be placed to help him get across a river. The game is out for PCs and Nintendo’s Switch.
Another new cosy game is
Quilts and Cats of Calico. And yes, it features a lot of cats, as well as a quilt (a blanket made from different pieces of fabric) that you have to make. It’s based on a board game with the same name, and you can play against friends or on your own – and even create your own cat character to wander around while playing. It’s also available on PC and Switch.
Paleo Pines is one of the best current cosy games. Available for all consoles and PCs, it involves exploring an island and making friends with dinosaurs, who will then help you on your ranch (farm). In Unpacking you have to unpack your possessions after moving house – which is much more relaxing in a game than in the real world.
Finally, look out for two of the most popular cosy games, Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Both have been out for several years now, but are still regularly updated with new features and areas to explore.