wholesome direct returns this June
a one-of-a-kind showcase delivering uplifting and cozy games
recent sponsors
recent partners
Fishbowl
Developed by imissmyfriends.studio
Rediscover your memories and find your way into the present in this intimate experience where slice-of-life meets surreal.
Is This Seat Taken?
Developed by Poti Poti Studio
Play matchmaker for groups of hilariously particular people in this cozy, silly, and relatable experience.
MakeRoom
Developed by Kenney
Build rooms, gardens, and camper vans with 1,100+ objects and the ability to make your own furniture from scratch.
Minami Lane
Developed by Doot, Blibloop, Zakku
Customize buildings, manage shops, and maximize the happiness of your villagers to complete quests and fill your street with love!
Usagi Shima
Developed by studio rabbiko
Transform an abandoned island into a cozy haven for adorable bunnies in this relaxing, bunny-collecting idle game.
ABOUT
Wholesome Games promotes video games that inspire hope, joy, and introspection. We want to change how we think about which games are taken seriously. For many years, the most critically acclaimed titles have been the ones with the darkest themes and grimmest depictions of life, but there's also a whole world of hopeful video games with rich storytelling, innovative gameplay, and beautiful art and sound.We produce the annual Wholesome Direct and Wholesome Snack showcases and offer marketing and publishing services through the Wholesome Games Presents label.In a nutshell, here's what we offer:
🎮 PLAYERS
Enjoy our annual showcases Wholesome Direct and Wholesome Snack and subscribe to our socials and newsletter for recommendations throughout the year.
📝 CREATORS + PRESS
Complete this form to receive information on our upcoming events and the games we publish. You may also complete the individual key request forms listed here.
🖥️ DEVELOPERS
Submit your project to Wholesome Games Presents for publishing consideration and keep an eye on our socials and newsletter for public submissions to our events.
🤝 PARTNERS
For more information about sponsorship opportunities on our social media, newsletter or showcases, please e-mail hello [at] wholesomegames dot com
MORE ABOUT US
What have you accomplished so far?
Wholesome Direct 2025: 5+ million views, broadcast by Summer Game Fest, Twitch, IGN, GameSpot, Steam, and 650+ co-streamers
Wholesome Games Presents: 1+ million units sold, Xbox Excellence Award, Nintendo Indie World, App Store Cultural Impact Finalist, App Store Editors' Choice, PlayStation India Hero, BAFTA longlist
Fundraising: $300,000+ USD for charities such as The ACLU, Save the Children, Point of Pride, Palestine Children's Relief Fund, American Heart Association, and the International Rescue CommitteeWhere can I view past Wholesome Games events?
We've got them all archived in this YouTube playlist!
Can we co-stream your events?
Absolutely! Sign up for our creator list to receive future streaming kits and even more opportunities.
What makes a game "wholesome"?
That's up to you to decide! It's subjective and we don't want to pretend that it isn't. If a game is cute and cozy but contains harmful stereotypes, is it wholesome? We say no! If a game is violent, but that violence is about overthrowing an oppressor, is it unwholesome? We say no! The opinions presented by our curation are just that: one group's opinions.Are wholesome games political?
We believe everything, especially the media we create and consume, is political. Sometimes it's a radical act to make dark or upsetting art, and sometimes it's radical to make hopeful art in times of adversity.NFTs and AI
We stand firmly against AI-generated art and NFTs.
IN THE NEWS
Cosy video games are on an unstoppable rise
The Guardian - July 10, 2025
The success of Wholesome Games mirrors the immense growth of the genre as a whole. The first Wholesome Direct was broadcast in 2020, as the cosy genre began to explode during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and had 25,000 viewers. The most recent Wholesome Direct reached 5 million people.
The "wonderfully simple" winning recipe of Wholesome Direct
Gamesindustry.biz - June 10, 2024
Wholesome Direct feels like a safe space for an entire fringe of the games community and industry that's often been underserved. It gives a platform to underrepresented games, genres, creators, and cultures.
Wholesome Direct's vibes steal the summer show again
GamesBeat - June 13, 2024
The Summer Game Fest Showcase has more or less taken over as the 'main event' to see new game reveals or new trailers. We can expect to see a Direct from one or more publishers (Xbox, Ubisoft) And then there's 'the rest'. In my opinion, the Wholesome Games Direct has swiftly emerged as consistently the 'best of the rest.'
We're always on the lookout for games that will resonate with our community—whether it’s a pitch for our publishing label or just a title you think our community will adore! If you're specifically interested in submitting to our Wholesome Direct showcase, sign up for the mailing list below to get a reminder when that form is live, along with other important announcements and new release recaps.
PRESS/CREATORS: To join our press and creator lists and receive information about future opportunities, sign up here
GENERAL: Send an email to hello (at) wholesomegames.com with information about your project or request
PARTNERS: If you'd like to request more information about sponsorship opportunities, please email hello (at) wholesomegames.com
Jenny Windom (she/her)Favorite games
Outer Wilds, Florence, and Harvest Moon 64.
Matthew Taylor (he/him)Favorite games
A Short Hike, Dome Keeper, and The Spirit and the Mouse
James Tillman (he/him)Favorite games
Psychonauts, Like a Dragon, and Universal Paperclips.
Victoria Tran (she/her)Favorite games
Tetris Effect, Unpacking, and Undertale.