Comments on: Rethinking the concept of ‘cosy’ in video games

By: “Car Explorer” – Forza Motorsport 4 – Super Chart Island

“Car Explorer” – Forza Motorsport 4 – Super Chart Island — Sun, 05 May 2024 07:39:35 +0000

[…] liked a recent Later Levels post taking a look at cosy games. It pointed out that outside of the aesthetic the phrase is usually used to evoke, very different […]

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 07:29:34 +0000

In reply to Murmillo Mint.

Some great points raised here. It has been a while since I wrote this post and, thinking back over it now, maybe the issue I have is more with lazy marketing than the term ‘cosy’ itself. There are certain words which make me switch off instantly because I feel like I’ve been bombarded with them. I guess this subject is a whole new post in itself… 😉

By: Murmillo Mint

Murmillo Mint — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 02:58:53 +0000

Certainly cozy is not fully accurate, but I think a game calling itself cozy would imply that there will be no aggressive elements like death or heavy themes such as war or abuse etc. A game can become cozy through experience, but not every game is made to be so.

What I might experience playing deep rock galactic solo, a sometimes stressful game that has become “cozy” to me through repetition, is what stardew valley and animal crossing hope to deliver immediately without that familiarization period.

Otherwise yes, I do find many genres like the dreaded “souls like” are thrown around more for marketing weight than anything else and cozy seems to be another casualty of that kind.

By: Kim

Kim — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:30:24 +0000

In reply to iainmew.

I love this! It’s lovely to hear you’ve found a new cosy game while completing the challenge for your blog. Although racing games aren’t really my thing, I have a few friends that play them and they all say the same thing: they allow them to zone out after a day at work and switch off for a while.

Looking forward to seeing if there are any other unexpectedly-cosy games that crop up in the number ones! 😀

By: iainmew

iainmew — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 13:46:57 +0000

I like your reframing of cosy! I just started playing Forza Motorsport 4 for my blog, and while I’ve never played it before and it’s a series that I’ve barely played, I’m finding it a decidedly cosy experience in just the ways you talk about. It’s a genre that I’ve spent so long playing that I can settle into something new and it feels low stress and low stakes. Plus I can happily stick on my own music without it detracting from the experience too much, which is always a plus to cosiness.

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:30:10 +0000

In reply to Nikki. I haven't yet renewed my subscription... but it'll happen at some point, I always end up going back. Perhaps I'll see you around!

By: Nikki

Nikki — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 21:10:21 +0000

I love that ESO is a comfort game for you, as its the same for me and my partner. It’s one we love to go back to.

By: Kim

Kim — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 07:27:25 +0000

In reply to Amcdaniels. Ah, this is exactly the same with Monkey Island for me! I loved the series as a kid so it always make me feel really nostalgic when I replay any of the games. :)