The case for cosy games after a long day

Not every game needs to challenge you. Some evenings I don't want to be tested, I just want something warm to hold my attention while my brain switches off. That's the whole appeal of the cosy genre.

Paper Kingdoms is my go-to lately. It's a town builder with no threats, no fail states, just you arranging little paper houses and watching villagers trundle about. There's something genuinely calming about it.

What separates a good cosy game from a boring one is a tiny bit of texture. Even gentle games need small goals, something to tidy or complete, or you drift off. Paper Kingdoms gets this with its workshop chains that give you just enough to plan.

If your days are heavy, keep one of these installed. It's not about getting good or winning. It's about having somewhere soft to land for ten minutes.