The rise of cozy games have been especially noticeable in recent years, with audiences getting invested and finding comfort in routine as they bond with characters and make a home for themselves. But with the upcoming Wanderstop, game creator Davey Wreden – the dev behind The Stanley Parable and The Beginner's Guide – wanted to focus on something a bit closer to home with his self-aware take on a cozy game.
During the week of The Game Awards 2024, I played studio Ivy Road's Wanderstop, which sees a weary warrior take an unexpected break from fighting to help fix up and run a tea shop. Along with learning the ropes of being a shop owner, I also spoke with Wreden about how his experience with game development and subsequent burnout formed the basis of Wanderstop's peculiar but relatable take on a cozy experience.
