“Slow Gaming”, when video games are played quietly

Action, competition, tension… These are usually the characteristics needed in a good video game: that it makes things difficult, that it requires skill, reflexes and nerves of steel, and that it has a competitive edge.

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However, according to “Games” It’s growing and attracting people who don’t always fit the ‘gamer’ mould.There are many more genres of video games and other viable attributes to enjoy.

This is the case of “Slow Gaming”, A growing trend, where games change past traits for a calm, relaxed pacein visually ergonomics and with music packaged for simply enjoying.

Playing to relieve stress

These titles are also known as “Zen Games” or “Walking Simulators”. In an interview with Efe, Nuria, a young gamer, explains, “This trend is similar to that of ‘health games’, but the latter, although designed to make the player feel good, makes the weight of those feelings fall into aesthetics, but they can count on Action and competitiveness are not in “Slow Gaming”.

For Noria, “There is no reason to divide. I like to compete and test myself with work and difficulty levels…but Other times I just want to de-stress from work, have fun and have funFor those who would like to know more about the most popular titles under “Slow Gaming”, we provide a list below.

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lake

It’s not all about the puzzles in “Slow Games,” and the word “Lake” comes to remind us of that, and to offer us Scenic driving video game to live a relaxing narrative adventure. The story is based on nostalgia and “homecoming”, because the protagonist returns to her hometown. The game consists of delivering mail and discovering the stories of the residents through letters and parcels.

Pokemon sleep

Not much is known about this bizarre proposal from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, which arrived on July 17 for mobile phones and is intended to be a kind of counterpart to, and complement to, the successful Pokémon Go. The mechanics of this game are… sleep. Yes, sleeping in real life. Therefore, it was impossible not to include it in the list: There can be nothing more relaxing and calming than a good nap. And if you’re resting around getting Pokemon, even better.

a witness

Over 500 puzzles to solve and a whole open world to explore. This is “The Witness,” and it’s a game that despite its cool years when it comes to enjoying it quietly. The premise is simple: The player wakes up on an unknown island with no memory of anything. To solve the puzzle and restore your memory, you will have to go through the different scenarios Solve puzzles and find their memories in the pieces and solutions.

death strand

“Death Stranding” and, in particular, the extended version “Death Stranding: Director’s Cut” is one of those titles you wouldn’t expect to see on your “slow game” list, because it belongs in Post-apocalyptic action epic. However, the open world that we are allowed to explore, so unequivocally beautiful in Hideo Kojima’s game, makes it worth losing yourself in it. It is one of the first high budget “walking simulators”. Although not all of the gameplay is relaxing, there are plenty of missions to get lost in the post-action..

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evacuation

In real life, moving home is usually the situation we associate with stress. However, in the world of video games, this circumstance can become a source of fun. And that’s what “unloading” is all about, A beautiful puzzle game full of references to other video games and works of art and culture, such as animation or music. A game in which fun tries to get to know the protagonist, her story, and her evolution through action-by-action objects.

animal crossing

“Animal Crossing” is the epic of “Wholesome Games” and “Slow Gaming” par excellence: colorful and cool aesthetics, soothing music, a calm pacing, and plenty of missions to do…but quietly. This social simulator, which already has several installments in its story, starts from a premise typical of children’s stories: The player has arrived on an island inhabited by more or less humanoid and intelligent animals who will be his neighbors, and he must build and decorate his house.

The latest release, ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’, was released in 2020 during the pandemic and has become one of the most popular titles of the moment, relieving confinement.

Monument Valley

This video game was one of the precursors to the “Slow Game” trend and blends puzzles, platforms, and exploration. As usual in this type of game, there is also a lack of information and amnesia.Stepping into the shoes of a princess or a mother named Ru and her daughter, the player must explore this geometric setting made of monuments. When you reach out to each other, you may be able to get “forgiveness” for something you did.

Both the first installment and the sequel, “Monument Valley 2,” are available for mobile phones and PC.

Other video games

Of course, there are many other games that can fill the list of titles to enjoy at Slow Gaming, such as ‘Everybody’s Gone to the Rapture’, ‘The Red Strings Club’, ‘A Short Hike’, ‘Sky – Children of the Light’ and ‘Sky – Children of the Light’. Journey’, ‘Walden: a game’, ‘Abz’, and ‘Farming Simulator’ or ‘Mutazione’, among others.

Nora mills

EFE reports

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