[Opinion] Why do so many cozy games suck? (www.youtube.com)

submitted 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) by lazycouchpotato@lemmy.world to c/games@lemmy.world

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Came across this video critiquing the gameplay of some out of the sheer number of "cozy" games coming out recently.

Wondering what everyone's opinions are on cozy games. Do you feel the same or do you have differing opinions on them?

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[-] Caligvla@lemmy.dbzer0.com 16 points 2 days ago

There's this concept in game design called game flow, which in simple terms is essentially what happens when a game is both engaging and challenging at just the right amounts to the point where you get immersed in the experience. You can't have good flow without both some challenge and reward.

That's why games that are too simple and/or easy are boring. I feel like that's a very fine line you have to walk if you want to make a "cozy" game. How relaxing is relaxing enough without being boring? You need a minimum of challenge and stakes, because that's makes good games good.

[-] Droggelbecher@lemmy.world 6 points 2 days ago

Imo what's key to a cosy game is that you choose within the game how much you want to challenge yourself. Take stardew, for example. My mum was content just farming crops. I went into the difficult mines with lots of combat etc. You can enjoy the game if you don't do the hard parts, or you can do them sparsely, or all the time. You choose, and that's what makes it so relaxing.