Stardew Valley, Wylde Flowers, and the Future of ‘Wholesome’ Games

This video will be exploring the emergence of the "wholesome" video game first seen in games like Harvest Moon and Animal Crossing, now becoming a genre onto itself with the success of games like Stardew Valley. What is the draw of these sorts of games? Can this truly be considered a genre? What should be the platonic ideal that future wholesome games should strive for?

Spoiler Warning: the following video contains some light spoilers on elements of the game Wylde Flowers, so if you are interested in going into this game blind, consider playing it on PC, Switch, or Apple Arcade before diving in.

Recommended Readings & Sources

Table of Contents
0:00 - What is a Wholesome Game?
4:46 - Intro to 'Wylde Flowers'
12:30 - A Magical Twist
17:15 - Artificial Wholesomeness
22:16 - Making the Real World More Wholesome

[HenryKathman]

What is your favorite wholesome/cozy game? What kind of metrics do you use to define a game's 'Wholesomeness'. I'd love to gauge what ya'll think here cause this subject fascinates me.

[cepsep]

As someone who, in the past few months, started to move away from immersing myself in feel-good video games like stardew valley, this video hit hard (in the good way). for multiple reasons, i started putting more energy into my real life connections. making new friends, and reconnecting with old ones. i came to pretty much the same realisation that you did in this video. so, thank you. because even though i am more sure of myself and the path ahead of me, it means so much to see someone else talk about it, as well. fantastic video as always, henrey!

[mk-aka-morgan]

Someday when I have the time and education, I wanna make a wholesome game for Raggedy Anne or Moomin! I think they both have so much potential for fun, cute games- even if I might not be able to perfect them 😅

[StudioDrydock]

So enjoyed your thinking in this video! <3 😍

[DesmondDuval]

So this realization has been sneaking up on me over the last few videos, but I'm pretty sure Henry is my favorite Doctor.

[upumpkin]

My favorite 'wholesome' game conceptually is Pumpkin Days, unfortunately the project was abandoned.
The multiplayer and character customization helps me with self expression and dealing with being in a long distance relationship/friendships as we could play together.

[Vipzy]

I’ll need to check this game out. I’m not particularly drawn to the graphics or character designs, but after this video I’ll definitely give it a try! Thanks!!

[WensleydaleCheddar]

Great video as always, Henry! Love the camera angles <3

[LimeyLassen]

Is it weird that I kinda want to see that bed listicle

[TheDiggus]

Looking good, Henry you old thrist trap.

[Bamdeidz]

My fav cozy game is stardew valley. Also nice goatee

[temmie_ee]

I will definitely try to check it out Wylde Flowers! Love your vids Henry! Have a nice day! ( ᐛ )ᐟ ♥︎

[excavator_man]

My favorite cozy game is Dinkum due to being able to run over kangaroos with motorcycles and saw lizards in half with my chainsaw which Franklyn crafted from ore I found in a dangerous Australian cave with glowing crocodiles I murdered and cooking their flesh in a barbecue I bought from a weirdo which moved into my crappy town I constructed from the purse of selling shells I found on the beach