Stardew Valley's influence on cozy games is finally coming to an end

Cozy games have ossified, and it's mostly thanks to Stardew Valley . These days, regardless of a cozy game's setting, you know exactly what to expect: warm vibes, happy people or those not entirely averse to becoming happy, a hearty welcome, and quick resolutions to every problem. The sameification is hardly surprising.

When a single game takes a niche genre mainstream and sells millions of copies across every platform, it makes sense for others to try their hand at the formula, carefully preserving its fundamental parts. Understandable, but no less regrettable. There are signs that growth is finally happening, though.