History of Cozy Games: What Was the Oldest Cozy Game?

Believe it or not, cozy games have been around for a while, even though the name is pretty new. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and see how these relaxing games came to be!

Summary:

• Virtual pets like “Little Computer People” and “Tamagotchi” laid the groundwork for caring for digital companions.
• Games like “Harvest Moon,” “Animal Crossing,” and “The Sims” introduced the concept of building a virtual life, focusing on relaxation and community
• “Stardew Valley” and “My Time at Portia” popularized the cozy game genre, offering detailed life simulations with a strong community focus.
• Relaxation, building relationships, daily routines, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
• Cozy games continue to grow in popularity, with new titles and innovations expanding the genre.

Early Sprouts: Taking Care of Tiny Lives

In 1985, a game called “Little Computer People” popped onto the scene. It might seem strange now, but it was kind of like a digital babysitter. You watched these little computer people live their lives, which was surprisingly fun and helped you feel connected to them.

Then came the Tamagotchi craze in 1997. These little keychain pets needed constant attention – feeding, cleaning, playing – and they laid the groundwork for taking care of virtual creatures in cozy games.

The Cornerstones: Building a Relaxing Life

In 1996, “Harvest Moon” changed the game (pun intended!). This farming simulator lets you escape to the countryside, grow crops, raise animals, and become friends with the townsfolk. It was all about chilling out and building a new life for yourself.

A few years later, in 2001, “Animal Crossing” took the life simulation concept even further. Here, you could decorate your own house, hang out with adorable animal neighbors, and participate in fun events. Plus, the cute art style and slow pace made it super relaxing.

Even though “The Sims” (from 2000) isn’t typically considered a cozy game, it played a role. Designing your dream home, creating a family, and watching them go about their daily lives offered a different kind of relaxing experience.

The Indie Boom and Beyond

Fast forward to 2016, and “Stardew Valley” became a huge hit. This indie darling brought back the love for cozy games by combining farming, mining, fishing, and building friendships with the townspeople. It offered even more to do than its predecessors.

Then in 2019, “My Time at Portia” took things further. This game added crafting, building, and exploration to the mix, making it even more appealing to a wider audience.

Cozy Gaming on the Go!

Cozy games became a fan favorite with the launch of Nintendo Switch. This lightweight handheld device is like a comfy couch for cozy games. With its small size and cute look, it fits right in with those chill games. There are a ton of cozy games on the Switch, but some of the most popular titles are Spiritfarer, Cozy Grove, My Time at Portia, and Animal Crossing.

What Makes a Cozy Game So…Cozy?

• Relaxation First: No pressure, no stress, just chill vibes.
• Friends and Neighbors: Building relationships with the characters in the game is a big part of the fun.
• Daily Delights: Planting crops, fishing, or crafting might seem simple, but they’re strangely satisfying.
• Warm and Fuzzy Feelings: The cute pixilated graphics, calming music, and overall atmosphere make you feel happy and comfortable.

The Future of Cozy Games: More Warmth to Come!

Cozy games are super popular now. People love watching gameplay videos of their favorite games on Twitch and YouTube. Games like “Cozy Grove” keep the relaxing vibe going with cute characters and chill tasks. What makes a cozy game? Well, it’s usually pretty relaxed. You don’t have to worry about dying or failing too much. Making friends and building a community is important. And the games usually look and sound nice. Cozy games are still getting better. We’re seeing more kinds of people in games, and people are trying out new ways to play, like with virtual reality.