The rise of “cozy” in gaming and storytelling, and why so many players are gravitating toward low-stress, comfort-driven experiences. And an unexpected phenomenon: gamers engaging in photojournalism inside games.
This episode was recorded at Hobart’s Edge Radio 99.3FM studios, and first aired on 19 Feb 2026.
For more info on Media Mothership go to https://mediamothership.au/
Recorded live each week from Edge Radio studios in Hobart, Tasmania. https://www.edgeradio.org.au/

Links

https://www.edgeradio.org.au/

https://www.writerswrite.co.za/what-is-cozy-fiction-how-to-write-it/

https://www.escapistmagazine.com/gamers-cant-seem-to-agree-on-a-definition-for-cozy-games/

https://www.pedestrian.tv/tech-gaming/cozy-gaming-hobby-stress-relief/

https://www.inverse.com/gaming/the-science-of-cozy

https://www.pcgamer.com/games/life-sim/the-cozy-game-boom-is-the-clearest-trend-on-steam-over-five-years-of-data/

https://www.polygon.com/arthur-morgan-roger-clark-cameo-apology/

https://www.polygon.com/arc-raiders-war-photographers/

https://www.pcgamer.com/games/third-person-shooter/arc-raiders-is-almost-like-a-social-experiment-embark-studios-ceo-reveals-a-neurology-professor-encouraged-him-to-submit-the-game-for-scientific-testing-to-study-player-behaviour/

Support the show: https://www.mediamothership.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.