Guides
Guides to calmer, kinder play
Practical, sourced guides on winding down with games: routines, settings that remove pressure, sleep, and gentle games for children and families.
All guides
Guide · EveningsA wind-down gaming routine: letting a game close the day gentlyPlenty of people use a game to switch off after work, school runs or a long shift.
Guide · Understanding cosy gamesWhat makes a game cosy? The design choices behind calm play"Cosy game" has become one of the most searched labels in gaming, but it isn't an official genre and no ratings board defines it.
Guide · SettingsPlaying without pressure: notifications, streaks and daily rewardsMany games are calm while you play them and noisy when you don't: reminders, streak counters, daily gifts and limited-time offers all ask you to come back.
Guide · SleepGames and sleep: what the NHS advises, and how to fit play around itGames and sleep compete for the same hours, so it is fair to ask how they fit together.
Guide · FamiliesCalm games for kids: age ratings, gentle picks and settings for parentsA calm game can be a lovely shared activity or a quiet bit of time for a child after a busy day.
Guide · Playing togetherCalm co-op for couples and families: gentle games to play togetherPlaying together can be one of the nicest ways to spend an evening, but plenty of co-op games are built on timers, shouting and blame.