Why Stardew Valley is One of the Best Comfort Games

gamerant.com:

One of the best things about video games is their variety. If players want to spend a few hours blasting their way through space, undertake covert missions in underground enemy bases, or slash through hordes of fantastical creatures, they can. But there's also something to be said for the quieter games that take life at a slower pace and focus on relaxation rather than high-octane action. ConcernedApe's seminal masterpiece Stardew Valley is just such a title, and perfectly encapsulates the comfort gaming experience.

There have been games like Stardew Valley before, and plenty that have been inspired by its particular style and sensibility after its release, but ConcernedApe's impressive release does such a singular job of showing what a relaxing game should accomplish. People that aren't necessarily too familiar with the hobby often have a perception that video games are all guns and violence, but that's only a part of the diverse and creative industry. Violent, action-packed games are available in abundance, and they can be incredibly fun and even thought-provoking in their own way, but in recent years there's also been a rise in smaller, less intense titles that are gaining in popularity and offer players something different.

Stardew Valley Changed the Name of One-Person Game Development

Modern life is stressful enough as it is, and many players don't need the added pressure of concerns in fictional game worlds weighing them down as well. This is why titles like Stardew Valley are so great, as they provide a kind of low-stakes gameplay that can still present players with enough to do to keep them entertained while not causing anxiety to flourish or adrenaline to pump. Nowadays, there are lots of games that can be