Looking for some discussion on this: where is the line on how dark, scary, or sad a cozy game is allowed to get before it no longer qualifies as such? #discussion #gamedesign #narrative #cozygames #indiedev #gamedev #writing #indiegames #solodev - ThreadSky

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iancaisley.bsky.social • 19 days ago

Looking for some discussion on this: where is the line on how dark, scary, or sad a cozy game is allowed to get before it no longer qualifies as such?

#discussion #gamedesign #narrative #cozygames #indiedev #gamedev #writing #indiegames #solodev

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gigi-lili.bsky.social•18 days ago

Imo there is a gape between "it was dark and now i feel sad" and "it was dark and now i feel sad but also i'm happy i'm sad" because the game doesn't just open your wounds but also it’s heals them?

iancaisley.bsky.social•18 days ago

That's a good way to put it! I think the lack of that is also the danger of going "too cozy" if that's even a thing. That emotional catharsis you talk about is really rewarding and elevates an experience beyond just basic good feels I think.

gigi-lili.bsky.social•17 days ago

Totally! It’s a lot of work to create such an experience, but it makes a game unforgettable.

arandomfrenchdev.bsky.social•18 days ago

That’s an interesting question !
To me, “cozy” means “putting my brain in a box and letting things run automatically”, where as a dark/scary mood would make me think “Why ? What’s the message ?”

So it could be short apparitions, short quests, messages scattered telling a story, but definitely 1/2

arandomfrenchdev.bsky.social•18 days ago

spreaded throughout the game, with big time of breaks to forget about it even 2/2

iancaisley.bsky.social•19 days ago

In my opinion, the overall tone needs to stay very pg-13, with much more lighthearted/positive parts than not. I do think it's important to have the space to delve into moments of sadness, darkness, or even getting a tiny bit scary. Without them, the story lacks emotional progression and depth.

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