L360 talks to three women about their love of cyber-cooking, digital dating and fictitious farming.
Picture this: you’re curled up on the sofa with a blanket so soft it’s basically a hug, a cup of tea steaming beside you and a video game controller in hand.
But instead of battling alien invaders or scaling dangerous cliffs, you’re tending to a virtual garden, befriending woodland creatures or decorating a charming island home.
Welcome to the world of cosy gaming, where the stakes are low, the vibes are high and women are taking the lead in making it a cultural phenomenon — one that’s seeing a huge growth in popularity.
Online mentions of ‘cosy games’ increased by 57% from 16 January 2023 to 15 January 2024, according to analytics published by Brand Watch, and search interest in the term reached a five-year high in December 2023, as evident on Google Trends.
Games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Stardew Valley and Palia have become the digital equivalent of comfort food, attracting a growing community of gamers who crave something more relaxed and heart-warming than the usual adrenaline-pumping fare.
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Why women love cosy gaming
Gaming influencer Shea (aka @littlelatteplays) says: “I don’t mean to stereotype, but I feel like gaming was always advertised for men only, whereas cosy games are advertised more for women (but all genders are welcome to play any game).”
The data backs up Shea’s comment, with Brand Watch’s analytics showing that 55% of gender-categorised online mentions around cosy games are from female authors. In general gaming conversations, they make up only 25%.
@littlelatteplays Yesterday @Fields of Mistria dropped its early access✨ I have only played it for a few hours, but I love that it’s a mix of stardew and acnh🥹 #desksetup #gamingsetup #cozyvibes #pcsetup #cozygaming #whimsicalaesthetic #cozygamingcommunity
Research shows that women are particularly drawn to games that emphasise social interaction, creativity and narrative — all key components of cosy gaming. Instead of winning or losing, these games are about building, nurturing and connecting.
Whether it’s designing the perfect virtual home or cultivating friendships with charming animal villagers, the emphasis is on creating a world that feels personal and meaningful.
For many women, cosy gaming is also a form of digital self-care. It’s a way to unwind, recharge and practice mindfulness without having to leave the sofa.
And let’s be honest — who wouldn’t prefer fishing in a pixelated pond over doom-scrolling through social media?
Mental health benefits: more than just fun and games
Cosy gaming isn’t just about cute characters — it can also be good for your mental health. Shea says: “Cosy gaming has the same effect as any other hobby has for your mental health, it’s relaxing and it takes your mind of things going on in your life.
“I especially love that you can immerse yourself in the world of your game and just forget about real life for a minute. Playing a good game is just like reading a good book.”
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Studies have shown that engaging in activities that promote relaxation and a sense of accomplishment can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Cosy games, with their low-pressure environments and rewarding gameplay, offer a perfect mix of relaxation and achievement.
Take Animal Crossing: New Horizons, for example. The game became a global sensation during the pandemic, offering millions a way to connect with others and maintain a routine when the real world felt anything but routine. The simple act of checking in on your virtual village, planting trees or catching butterflies became a form of meditation, helping some players manage their mental health during uncertain times.
Shea was one of the women that found her love for the gaming sub-genre during 2020. She says: “Growing up, I played some games every now and then, but I didn’t really start until Covid hit. That’s when I got my Nintendo Switch and really started to get into the cosy games.
“It was just a really nice way to relax after a stressful day of following online college classes and to connect with other cosy gamers online during times when you couldn’t go anywhere.”
Moreover, the creative freedom in cosy games allows players to express themselves in ways that might not be possible in real life. Whether it’s designing an island paradise or managing a farm, these activities can boost self-esteem and provide a sense of control — something that can be in short supply in the real world.
Building a community of comfort
One of the most beautiful aspects of the cosy gaming phenomenon is the sense of community it can foster. Gamer Gabrielle Yap says: “The sense of community in cosy games is wonderful. These games often have online communities where players share their creations and experiences, much like food enthusiasts sharing recipes and cooking tips.
“It’s a supportive environment where you can connect with others who appreciate the same calm and creative elements.”
The #cozygaming hashtag on TikTok has 57.4k posts to date, with the top videos racking up millions of views and likes.
‘Cosy gaming’ groups can also be found on the likes of Twitch and Reddit, in addition to many dedicated accounts spanning the likes of X, Instagram and Facebook.
@cozy.games are there games you still think about?💭 🐛 Bugsnax 🦊 Little Misfortune 🪶 A Short Hike 👻 Luigi’s Mansion 3 ☕️ Cuphead #switchgames #cozygaming #cozygames #gamesonswitch #nintendoswitch #switchrecommendations #nintendoswitchgames
♬ Cafe (BGM, relaxed, fashionable)(1257161) – Empathetic Works
Mindfulness, one pixel at a time
Cosy gaming is more than just a trend; it’s a movement that’s redefining what it means to play video games. It’s about slowing down, savouring the moment and finding joy in the small, everyday things — whether that’s baking a digital pie or arranging your virtual living room furniture just so.
Gabrielle says: “In Stardew Valley, I’m growing crops and managing a farm. The simplicity and repetitive nature of these tasks are soothing, much like the repetitive motions of chopping vegetables or kneading dough.
“There’s a rhythm to it that I find incredibly satisfying, and it’s a great way to relax while still engaging in something productive.”
For women, in particular, cosy gaming offers a form of escapism that’s both soothing and empowering. It can be a way to practice mindfulness, foster creativity and build connections, all while wrapped in the comforting glow of a screen. And in a world that often feels anything but cosy, that’s something worth celebrating.
Gabrielle adds that the games are also a medium for artistic self-expression: “The creative aspect of cosy gaming is another draw for me. In games like Animal Crossing, I get to design and decorate my own little island paradise.
“The satisfaction of seeing my vision come to life, whether it’s a perfectly arranged room or a garden full of vibrant flowers, is deeply fulfilling.”
Gaming enthusiast Rebecca Crowe also relishes the innovativeness that gaming requires, saying: “There’s a boost in creativity as cosy games are often building sims or puzzle games that require you to think things through or be inventive.”
The best cosy games for beginners
Palia: This is a free-to-play MMO (massively multiplayer online) where you can craft, cook, fish and farm with friends in an enchanting fantasy land (playable on Nintendo Switch and Microsoft Windows).
Animal Crossing: New Horizons: Probably the most famous cosy game on the market, ACNH boasts a cast of cute characters living on the island of your dreams (playable on Nintendo Switch). Buy on Amazon for £36.99.
Stardew Valley: You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life (playable on Nintendo Switch, Android, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox, iOS). Buy on Amazon for £30.99.
Lake: Set in 1986, the story follows Meredith Weiss, a software developer who spends two weeks in her hometown of Providence Oaks, Oregon, where she temporarily assumes the role of the town’s mail carrier (playable on PlayStation 4 and 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Microsoft Windows). Buy on Amazon for £21.65.
A Short Hike: An open world exploration game in which a bird is tasked with reaching the summit of a mountain to get phone reception (playable on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox, Linux, MacOS).
Botany Manor: A beautiful game is set in a 19th-century English stately home. This walking sim lets you explore beautiful grounds as Arabella Greene, a retired botanist. It’s a fantastic experience discovering forgotten flora and growing each plant while unravelling Arabella’s story (playable on Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Microsoft Windows).
Disney Dreamlight Valley: Explore an enchanting world, build relationships and create your own magical story (playable on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, MacOS). Buy on Amazon for £34.99.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild: There is some combat in this game, but the immense landscape, quaint villages and epic graphics totally make up for any stress you may feel battling bosses. The game is set at the end of the Zelda timeline and sees players controlling an amnesiac Link as he sets out to save Princess Zelda and prevent Calamity Ganon from destroying the world (playable on Nintendo Switch). Buy on Amazon for £44.99.
Upcoming cosy games to have on your radar
These are the upcoming games that we’re pre-ordering:
My Sims: Cozy Bundle: Nintendo says: “Players can make adorable friends and discover creative adventures across retro re-releases of two lovable games.” Coming 19 November 2024. Pre-order on Amazon for £34.99.
Coffee Talk Tokyo: The synopsis reads: “In a world where humans and fantastical creatures rub shoulders with each other, listen to their stories of love, loss, joy and sadness, all while serving up delicious drinks designed to not just quench their thirst but warm their hearts.” Coming 2025.
Tales of the Shire: The synopsis reads: “Live the cosy life of a hobbit in the wonderfully serene landscape of the Shire. Discover, decorate and share in this idyllic corner of Middle-earth.” Coming late 2024.
The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom: The synopsis reads: “The people of Hyrule are being stolen away by strange rifts that have appeared, and with a certain swordsman among those missing, it’s up to Princess Zelda to save her kingdom.” Coming 26 September 2024. Pre-order on Amazon for £42.95.
