What Is the Cozy Gaming Trend?

Though the video game industry is highly diverse, it does tend to show common themes of violence and threat. To avoid the triggering nature of these motifs, many avid gamers have now turned to Cozy Gaming. The cozy gaming trend focuses on a much more laid-back gaming experience, with cute characters and charming storylines. Games such as Stardew Valley, Unpacking, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have helped to pioneer this genre and have even helped specific gaming influencers feel more confident in their niche. Here are ten Cozy Gamers to follow. 

1. Cozy K

Kenedy, better known as Cozy K, revels in every aspect of the cozy gaming trend and often shares snapshots of her daily life with her 183K YouTube subscribers. Alongside posting lifestyle and hobby content, this influencer shares her thoughts on the latest gaming releases. So, whether she’s showcasing how to best personalize your Nintendo Switch or crafting the perfect household for her Sims, Kennedy manages to do so with a soft voice and a smile. This YouTuber has also created a separate channel for her gaming livestreams called Cozy K Games, where she has collected an additional 3.83K subscribers. 

2. Eeowna

Although cozy games can be found on just about any type of mainstream console, they are most popular on the Switch. Eeowna has dedicated her channel to helping her 116K subscribers find the best games to play if they want to kick back and relax. They also discuss free and heavily discounted games available on the Nintendo eShop, helping her followers play without breaking the bank. She also focuses on farming sims, educating her audiences on upcoming releases as well as games that may not actually live up to the hype. Alongside these videos, Eeowna also streams content on Twitch to a further 39K followers. 

3. Ash’s Cozy Corner

Since posting their first YouTube video in January 2023, Ash’s Cozy Corner has accumulated an impressive 5.58K subscribers. Like many content creators in this niche, Ash ensures that their videos present an array of muted tones to help transport viewers into a tranquil world of stillness. Ash focuses on a variety of off-beat titles, including Faefarm and Harvest Moon. She occasionally posts vlog content, offering a look into her normal routine as a gamer and content creator. When she’s not creating content on YouTube, Ash’s Cozy Corner can be found on Instagram, where she shares her latest recommendations to her 4,342 followers. 

4. Nemui Atelier

Immersed in a pastel pink aesthetic, Nemui Atelier makes even the most stressful games seem like a walk in the park. As an avid fan of JRPGs (Japanese role-playing games), this YouTuber frequently shares gameplay of Genshin Impact for her 217K subscribers. She also showcases the power of PC and Android gaming, proving that you don’t necessarily need a comprehensive setup to enjoy these games. Atelier has a website where she updates her followers on the latest in the cozy gaming niche, including the release of some pink joy cons as well as Xbox’s iconic collaboration with Barbie. 

5. Payton’s Corner

Despite dealing with the hustle and bustle of New York alongside a chronic illness, Payton’s Corner still manages to enjoy games that radiate cuteness and positivity. This YouTuber often shares her first reaction to upcoming hit games such as Snuffkin: Melody of Moominvalley and My Time at Sandrock. She even provides her 38K subscribers with lists of titles that they should try if they’re eager to find something new. Payton has managed to build a devoted community of followers, allowing her to promote a line of branded merchandise, allowing her fans to support her wherever they go. 

6. A Casual Gamer

Amassing an incredible 76.2K subscribers, A Casual Gamer highlights the core foundations of the cozy gaming niche. Their easy-going choice of games and stylized backgrounds make them an ideal influencer for those looking to take their first tentative steps into the elusive gaming world. A Casual Gamer tends to showcase an array of hidden gems, including Coral Island and Kirby and the Forgotten Land, ensuring that she can help her followers push away from the usual titles and find something more off-beat. On TikTok, she provides her 3,647 followers more insight into her usual set-up whilst still creating a restful atmosphere for her fans. 

7. The Cozy Gaming Club

As the cozy gaming niche continues to expand, The Cozy Gaming Club strives to help its audience find a selection of new titles so they don’t experience burnout or fatigue. This YouTuber, also known as Ellie, provides her 4.3K subscribers with an array of list videos, highlighting key topics such as the best cozy games on PS Plus and titles similar to the hit game Coffee Talk. She also conducts lengthy livestreams for her followers, presenting gameplay of her favorite releases and demos. To help her create a stronger sense of cohesion on her channel, Ellie has also created a bustling Discord server to help her followers get to know each other a bit better. 

8. Ezlilyy

Although cozy games are best recognized for their tranquil nature, Ezlilyy emphasizes that gamers still require a keen set of skills to help them win. This gaming YouTuber focuses most on Stardew Valley, educating their 225K subscribers on the best way to find the rarest items and how to plant the best crops for spring. When she’s not offering her best tips and tricks on YouTube, Ezlilyy also streams Stardew Valley content on Twitch. She streams on this platform for around 3 hours at a time, exploring how dense these simple games can be. 

9. Maybe:Salem

Nostalgia is also a vital component of the cozy gaming niche, and Maybe:Salem has managed to create content that stands at the forefront of this developing trend. Whether they’re discussing the lore behind Neopets or building a tremendous cemetery in ACNH, this YouTuber expertly transports their 12.4K subscribers back to their youth so that they can enjoy their favorite online games all over again. Maybe:Salem also produces content exclusively for their members, including a podcast, where they discuss their monthly favorites and updates.  

10. MadMorph

After gaining 399K subscribers on YouTube, MadMorph has proved himself to be a renowned expert on all things gaming. Despite the fact that this influencer covers all different types of games, he also places a keen focus on cozy games like Animal Crossing: Happy Home Paradise and Miitopia. The YouTuber also has a second channel called Down to Sleep, where he reads excerpts of popular books to help his additional 138K subscribers finally get a good night’s rest. 

Though the gaming industry may seem incredibly competitive and oversaturated, it seems that there are still some niches that make room for emerging influencers. With various games and compatible consoles to choose from, these influencers are free to produce content they feel passionate about without having to conform to the status quo. Plus, as this genre grows, these influencers also have a better chance of securing profitable brand deals.