It’s the day a lot of people have been waiting for: The Game Awards. Developers want to win awards, while players want news on the biggest upcoming titles. My issue with this? The titles featured tend to follow the same blueprint: male character, on a mission, often in space, shooty shooty death death. So I generally don’t care much about The Game Awards – until now. It has partnered with Wholesome Games to present a fun-sized version of Wholesome Direct, called Wholesome Snack. We’re expecting roughly 20 minutes of news and announcements, including games like Mineko’s Night Market, Tchia, Blanc, Fae Farm, and more. Here, I’ll include highlights from the presentation, as well as a list of games featured and a link to the whole(some) thing.
I’d just like to say that this entire experience was The Game Awards levels of frustrating. It started the countdown at its scheduled start time, then had another countdown. I just can’t with this. I mean, I will, but figuratively I can’t. That’s nearly ten minutes of wasted time. Do better, Wholesome Games. It’s not that hard to start something pre-recorded on time.
Mail Time
Be a cute little girl in a mushroom hat and deliver letters to the townsfolk. It may not be as easy as it seems! Mail Time is a relaxing, cottagecore adventure. Players begin on their first day as Mail Scout and has to deliver letters and packages to people across the Grumblewood Grove. There are no time limits, pressure, or risk of harm. In other words, it’s my perfect game. Mail Time will be released in Q1 2023 for PC/Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch.
Mineko’s Night Market
At first sight, Mineko’s Night Market is visually adorable, but dig a little further and it’s a game that celebrates Japanese culture while showcasing a heartwarming story. Mineko is a curious girl who arrives in her new hometown. It’s a place where superstitious locals worship Abe, the Sun Cat. Sightings of Abe have been increasing. Mineko will discover the village’s secrets while managing her daily activities, completing jobs, going on quests, and crafting peculiar items for the weekly Night Market. Mineko’s Night Market will be released in 2023 for PC and Nintendo Switch.
Spirittea
Fans of Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, this game has your name written all over it! A life sim/management game all in one. Live day-to-day finding locals to help and taking part in different hobbies from bug catching to karaoke. Spirittea will be released in early 2023 for PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.
Fae Farm
Fae farm fantasy sim farm RPG. Work with your friends to bring your fairy tale wishes to life. No need to do it all in one day: each morning brings a chance to find something new! You’ve got the magic in your hands. Your fairytale life awaits. The game can be played solo or with up to three other players. Fae Farm will be releasing in Q2 2023 exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
Tchia
This game is something special. The studio behind it may be based on Montreal, but it was founded by two childhood friends from New Caledonia (a small island kind of near New Zealand). Tchia is an open-world sandbox where players can explore the depths of the ocean or become one with nature using a soul-jumping mechanic that allows them to control over 30 animals and hundreds of objects. The game is inspired by New Caledonian folklore, traditions, and landscapes. Tchia will be released in 2023 for PC, Playstation 5, and PlayStation 4.
Tiny Glade
A brand new trailer for a brand new game! There’s building in it. Tiny Glade is a small, delightful building game with no combat and no wrong answers. Turn forgotten meadows into unforgettable dioramas. Tiny Glade will be released for PC.
Valley Peaks
Welcome to Valley Peaks! It’s time for an expedition: scale summits in this first-person climbing sim. Overcome obstacles, unlock upgrades, and get chummy with new friends. Valley Peaks will be released in 2023 for PC.
Featured games
- Mail Time (launching in Q1 2023 for PC/Mac, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch)
- Mineko’s Night Market (launching in 2023 for PC and Nintendo Switch)
- A Most Extraordinary Gnome (available now for PC)
- Spirittea (launching in early 2023 for PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox)
- Fae Farm (launching in Q2 2023 for Nintendo Switch)
- Way to the Woods (launching in March 2023 for PC and Xbox)
- Tchia (launching in 2023 for PC, Playstation 5, and PlayStation 4)
- Loddlenaut (September 2023, for PC)
- Blanc (February 14, for PC and Nintendo Switch)
- Tiny Glade (launching for PC)
- Bits and Bops (launching for PC)
- Distant Bloom (launching in 2023 for PC)
- Valley Peaks (launching in 2023 for PC)
- Europa (launching in 2023 for PC)
Watch the entire presentation
