Cozy Games Emerging as Beneficial for Mental Health
Cozy games have long been seen as fun and relaxing, but recent studies indicate these stress-reducing titles can be as advantageous for mental health as mindful meditation. Popular video games, such as Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing, have witnessed remarkable growth in the cozy game genre in recent years, especially since the pandemic in 2020. This trend has attracted researchers' attention, prompting investigations into the phenomenon. Cozy games stand out for their gameplay, significantly different from more violent games, and are being shown to offer more than just good vibes.