We are so talented at avoiding reading that, for the last two years, we've been enjoying a new hobby altogether: gaming! As the days turn darker, it's the perfect time to turn off your brain and cosy up with some games, and there is no shortage of queer ones here, either!
(And yes, we do play more games than just Fortnite, which we know his hard to believe.)
LGBTQ+ Games
We both recommend:
Spiritfarer by Thunder Lotus Games
This sandbox action game follows Stella and her adorable cat, Daffodil, as they sail around a map, seek quests, and collect spirits with the intention of bringing them to the "Everdoor", AKA the afterlife. With a diverse cast of comforting characters, death doesn't feel so scary, especially when it follows much the same format as many of our favourite management sim games, with gardening, cooking, fishing, upgrading, learning new skills, and selling collectables to keep you busy. The graphics are beautiful (often displaying lesbian-coloured sunsets, which is a bonus) and we both adored the backstories, offering lovable characters such as an innocent mushroom named Stanley to a sapphic snake named Summer to bond with.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Lake by Gamious and Whitethorn Games
If you prefer character-driven narratives, you'll love Lake. You play as the main character, Meredith, who is confronted with a set of choices when she returns to her small home town in Oregon to cover her father's work as a mailman while he's on vacation. In a super Hallmark-esque way, you reconnect with old friends while also finding new love interests: will you choose the adventurous woman who runs the movie store, or the gruff, shy lumberjack? Not an easy decision for us bi/pan girlies! While it's narrative-led, the gameplay is also extremely fun, especially after playing Mail Time, as mentioned below. You can explore the picturesque, autumnal town and its warm characters by delivering mail in Meredith's trusty white van, and your decisions during each interaction will influence the outcome of the story. Not to mention, the soundtrack, heard through the car radio, is super catchy. Almost a year on, we're still singing it!
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows
Mail Time by Kela van der Deijl (Appelmoes Games) and Freedom Games
It's never too late in the year to find your inner cottagecore! If you like delivering mail but don't fancy taking the traditional, human route, this might be a great alternative. Set in a peaceful forest, your only goal is to deliver mail to your little forest friends, some of which are in queer relationships or are non-binary! While the play time isn't as long as we'd like, bouncing on mushrooms and climbing trees is a relaxing way to spend the afternoon.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows
Ivy recommends:
Unpacking by Witch Beam and Humble Bundle
This calm puzzle game interweaves a story through the belongings of the main character, a woman whose bisexuality is discovered along the way.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, and Windows
Rachel recommends:
Tell Me Why by DONTNOD
While this episodic narrative game explores some hard-hitting themes — check the content warnings, please! — it also takes place in a snowy small town where everybody knows everybody, not to mention it features a magical twin connection. There are moments of adventure, puzzles, and scenes you can simply sit back and immerse yourself in. As two siblings clear out their childhood home, they realise that they may not know their mother as well as they thought. While the MMC Tyler has encountered a lot of transphobia throughout his life, the queer representation and acceptance is heartwarming and the themes handled sensitively. You play as both siblings at different points, exploring the world through objects and memories while trying to solve the family mystery. Again, your choices during dialogue can impact the outcome, so tread carefully.
Available on Windows and Xbox
More Cosy Games
We both recommend:
Little Nightmares by Tarsier Studios
If you heard our screams while playing this horror adventure game, you wouldn't believe it's cosy... but while everything from the story to the characters to the graphics are deeply unsettling, there is something strangely calming about running through eerie landscapes as a tiny character. Until the Janitor finds you, at least. On the plus side, you can hug gnomes, which allows them to help you! See, cosy!
Be sure to check the content warnings before checking this one out. We recommend playing around Halloween for optimum spooky vibes!
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Strange Horticulture by Bad Viking
This puzzle game explores the gorgeous landscape of the Lake District in a completely new way! As the owner of a plant store, you will be approached by some odd characters, slowly uncovering a world of flora and potions with each request until your collection is complete. With a black cat to keep you company, this is a perfect autumnal witchy game and will transport you to a time of old maps and handwritten notes. While your world remains restricted in the store itself, the mystery unfurling around you will keep you entertained for hours.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Old Man's Journey by Broken Rules
This unique adventure game allows you to play with the landscape around you in order to help an old man... you guessed it... on his journey. Steeped in nostalgia and warm colours, this isn't a long game to complete, but that doesn't mean it doesn't pack a punch, with grief and heartbreaking memories interwoven between gentle puzzles.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Agent A: A Puzzle in Disguise by Yak & Co
Become a spy in this narrative reminiscent of hidden object games. As you infiltrate a series of lairs by engaging with the room around you, you'll exercise more than a few brain cells while trying to reach the villain, deciphering codes and seeking keys wherever you go. With fun cut scenes thrown in, you'll find hours of entertainment.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Down in Bermuda by Yak & Co
Down in Bermuda is similarly puzzle-filled! As you travel across islands, you'll stumble across new creatures and mysteries to uncover. This game is a great way to spend an afternoon!
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Disney Dreamlight Valley by Gameloft
Basic, we know, but there is something both magical and nostalgic about spending time with some of our favourite Disney characters — with the exception of Donald Duck, who is a nightmare villager that likes to follow you around making train noises. While this base pack, plus the expansions, are a little bit pricey, the dream path events ensure lots of new content even once you complete the main storylines, and it's a great game to play while listening to an audiobook. As you explore new biomes and grow closer to villagers, you can enjoy a range of simulation activities, from gardening to mining for gems. We even have a collection of Pride T-shirts in our wardrobe!
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, and MacOS
Ivy recommends:
Storyteller by Daniel Benmergui and Annapurna Interactive
This fun and unique set of puzzles puts a twist on well-known fairy tales and Shakespearan stories. You are taken through a book of storyboards, where you must organise the characters and objects to find the correct outcome.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android
What Remains of Edith Finch by Giant Sparrow and Annapuma Interactive
This one makes it onto the list of Ivy's all-time favourite games. The story, told in first-person exploration, is wonderful and heartbreaking. The goal is to discover what happened to the character's family, leading to chilling and sad discoveries. While the eerie atmosphere leaves you waiting for a jump scare, it never comes!
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, iOS and Android
Cult of the Lamb by Massive Monster
This roguelike game is full of humour, and while fighting is included, what more can we expect when building a cult?
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Little Misfortune by Killmonday Games
Yes, we have chosen another horror game that also fits the cosy category. This adventure is proudly odd, but it's also very gentle. The interactive story means that each choice has a different outcome as you explore Sweden, 1993 while seeking eternal happiness for Misfortune's mother.
Available on Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, MacOS and Android
Rachel recommends:
Animal Crossing by Nintendo
A classic! Animal Crossing is one of the first games Rachel played as a child. While there aren't many new adventures to be had or objects to collect, it's a predictable, steady game and fun to celebrate the changing of the seasons with thanks to crafty DIY projects and shifts in the landscape. Even now, we're still finding things to discover, albeit not as often. The game feels like self-care, with soothing music and kind villagers to help you on your way, and is best enjoyed under a warm blanket.
Available on Nintendo Switch
Comments