There are lots of games out there that fall under a newly fond 'wholesome' genre, such as Animal Crossing: New Horizons with its perpetually positive islanders and pastel shades. But indie games make up a much bigger slice of the cozy pie than AAAs do.
Eastward and Garden Story are a couple of recent RPG examples, and both performed quite well among critics. Moonglow Bay, a fishing simulator about saving a tight-knit harbor community, released today for Xbox Game Pass, making the wholesome vibes accessible to subscribers. But for those who enjoy this comforting style of games, there are plenty more on the way that indie gamers should keep an eye on.
We Are OFK
We Are OFK was set to come out this spring, but delays plague the indie scene just as much as the mainstream. This story-rich title is an interactive EP of the indie pop band OFK, telling the story of the making of the band, dating, and living in Los Angeles. OFK's debut track was virtually performed at the 2020 Game Awards show, and each of the five episodes will similarly include interactive music videos. If all goes well, it's still set out to release sometime this year.'
Little Witch in the Woods
From Korean developer Sunny Side Up, Little Witch in the Woods will excite farming sim fans and Stardew Valley players. Though, instead of tending to a farm, they'll be experiencing the daily life of a witch practicing her apprenticeship by gathering resources, crafting potions, fishing, and befriending the local cats. A demo for Little Witch in the Woods released during Gamescom 2021, and though it was unfortunately temporary, fans can check out gameplay through YouTubers and Twitch streamers.
Melatonin
Unlike any other rhythm game out there, Melatonin is about staying on beat while traveling through dreams. Players will encounter minigames that will each challenge them in different ways, which include hitting daily objects with a bat and sending them through a hole in the universe, swiping a credit card to the beat, and burning polaroid photos. Set to come out in early 2022, the imaginary animations have been hand-drawn in stunning 4K and the music crafted to flow with gameplay for a fluid experience. Melatonin is set to release early 2022.
Naiad
Naiad is a Greek mythology term for water nymphs, which inhabit rivers, springs, and waterfalls. Likewise, players will assume the role of a naiad in what's described as a "minimalist exploration experience." From HiWarp, the developer's goal is to help users explore story through interactions and emotion. Naiad won't have any kind of violence but will instead be a peaceful, single-player experience set to release sometime this year.
Exhausted Man
For players who enjoyed the quirky controls of I Am Bread and Octodad, Exhausted Man should be next on the list. Performing everyday actions like getting coffee and typing on a computer, the exhausted man is everyone, from tired moms to overworked employees and sleep-deprived college students.
APICO
There's more wholesomeness to APICO than just its casual gameplay. The beekeeping sim will promote bee conservation by donating a portion of its sales to related charities while being a perfect game for Stardew Valley fans. As players would expect, the tasks include beekeeping minigames, making and selling honey, mead, and other products of bees, and exploring the natural habitats of the buzzing bugs—completely void of any stinging. APICO is set to release early next year.