New game Wanderstop challenges cozy game genre norms
A new game called Wanderstop, created by Davey Wreden's team Ivy Road, challenges the cozy game genre. Unlike typical cozy games that offer escape, Wanderstop explores deeper themes of mental health and self-judgment through its protagonist, Alta. In Wanderstop, players make tea while navigating Alta's struggles with her past as a warrior. The game contrasts her relentless self-criticism with the supportive nature of Boro, the teashop owner, highlighting the complexities of burnout and self-worth. Wanderstop does not provide easy resolutions. Instead, it reflects on the discomfort of personal challenges, encouraging players to confront their own issues without offering simple solutions.