HARRISBURG, PA — Harrisburg University of Science & Technology’s (HU) Kelly Boudreau, Ph.D., Game Design Program Lead and Associate Professor of Game Studies & Design, was interviewed recently by The Guardian. The article is entitled, “Cosy video games are on an unstoppable rise. Will they unleash a darker side?”
Cozy games focus on creating safe, comforting, and emotionally engaging experiences instead of violent or high-stakes gameplay. Examples include “Animal Crossing,” “Stardew Valley,” “Harvest Moon,” and “Unpacking.” While non-violent elements have existed in games for many years, the idea of “coziness” as a genre has only recently been defined. A landmark report titled “Coziness in Games: An Exploration of Safety, Softness, and Satisfied Needs” identified three core traits of cozy games: a lack of threat or pressure, a sense of abundance and security, and a “soft” aesthetic that feels warm and welcoming.
According to Dr. Boudreau, cozy games aren’t just a genre; they are an “ideological shift in game design – something that can be powerful in order to express different themes and play experiences.”
You can read the article here.
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