Cozy Ecogames

While the terms “cozy” and “eco” have become common in recent game culture, the combined term “cozy ecogame” is rarely used and has not been fully defined as a concept. The study identifies how cozy ecogames engage players with environmental issues through a game analysis of two cozy and two noncozy ecogames, using a DiGAP-inspired protocol. Further included is a content analysis of 400 player reviews for two cozy ecogames and two noncozy ecogames. The findings reveal how cozy ecogames avoid highlighting harmful effects or dystopian futures, to instead utilize cozy design elements to construct hopeful climate communication, creating an experience where players feel relaxed and safe to participate in climate action, leading to noticeable betterments of in-game environments. Players of noncozy ecogames are also identified as having different motivations for playing than those of the cozy ecogames.