Hey, it's Scott Tong from NPR's Here and Now. I am one of thousands of NPR Network Voices, coming

to you from over 200 local newsrooms across the country. We bring all Americans closer together through free and independent journalism, music, politics, culture, and so much more.

The NPR Network, what you hear changes everything.

Learn more at NPR.org network. The air outside is getting colder and the leaves are changing. That means some of us are

returning to some of our cozier hobbies. Maybe that involves curling up with a book, knitting a sweater,

or revisiting your animal crossing island.

We know it's been a while, you may be scared of facing your adorable villagers,

but it's time.

But a warning, that interaction may sound something like this It's been over three years since Animal Crossing New Horizons was released.

It became one of the best-selling video games of the year, selling over 42 million copies, almost four times as many as the previous edition of the game.

It also renewed interest in cozy games, a genre of video games known for finding the magic and everyday tasks like gardening, tidying up, or heading on a walk.

Those include the classics like Star-Dew Valley, Harvest Moon, and of course Animal Crossing,

but newer games too, like unpacking, Venba, and a short hike.

They weave narrative storytelling and the aesthetics of cozy games into a neat package for players.

For this edition of our Game Mode series, we dig into the rise of cozy gaming and how the

industry is taking notice.

First, we start by taking a closer look at the cozy gaming community.

It's a space for content creators and

streamers who might not always feel welcome in the video gaming world.

We sit down with one of those creators after the break. I'm Jen White. You're

listening to the 1A podcast where we get to the heart of the story. We'll be back with all

things cozy gaming in just a moment. Stay with us.

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