Cozy Games Give Players "Warm & Cozy" Feelings With Research Claiming They Might Improve Mental Well-Being

Cozy games have long been considered to be fun and relaxing, but studies are showing that these stress-reducing titles can be as beneficial for mental health as mindful meditation is. Popular video games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing have sparked incredible growth in the cozy game genre in recent years, particularly since the pandemic in 2020. This has caught the attention of researchers, who have begun studying the phenomenon. Significantly different in gameplay from the more violent games available, cozy games are being shown to provide more than just good vibes to their players.