The Moment My Gaming Changed Forever
Let me take you through a personal story about how becoming a parent changed my gaming habits.
If you’ve been a lifelong gamer and then suddenly found yourself holding a baby at 2 AM, you’ll know: everything shifts. With my newborn finally asleep, the thought of diving into an intense online shooter (like Destiny or Apex Legends) felt impossible. I needed something gentler, more forgiving.
That’s when I realised how becoming a parent changed my gaming for good.
From Sonic to Shooters to Sleepless Nights
I grew up in the 80s and 90s playing Pac-Man, Zork, and Sonic the Hedgehog on my treasured Sega Mega Drive. Gaming wasn’t just fun — it was connection. It’s how I bonded with my brother, uncles, cousins, and later my husband-to-be.
Later, I fell in love with first-person shooters: Counter Strike, Halo, Rainbow Six, Destiny. Those marathon online sessions gave me such a buzz. But once motherhood arrived, the reality hit: you can’t exactly pause a firefight when your toddler needs another drink of milk.
My gaming time became fragmented and unpredictable. Most nights, my brain was too tired to cope with the fast-paced focus those games demanded.
The Guilt Parents Don’t Talk About
Alongside the time pressure, there was another challenge: guilt. That nagging voice that said I should be doing something “more productive.”
But gaming isn’t selfish. It’s self-care. It’s one of the few ways I could still feel like me.
So I started drifting towards games I could pause whenever I needed, that didn’t demand total focus, and that actually soothed me instead of leaving me more wired. Without meaning to, I’d stepped into the world of cosy gaming.
Or maybe it’s fairer to say I was stepping back into cosy gaming. Looking back, I’d already loved these kinds of games as a teenager — Rollercoaster Tycoon, The Sims, Theme Hospital, Spyro, and a little gem you might not know called The Adventures of Lomax. Those were the games that filled my evenings before team-based shooters and online friends took over.
In a way, I wasn’t discovering cosy games for the first time, but returning to them. Only now, the genre has blossomed far beyond what it was in the 90s and 00s — with more choice, more creativity, and a community that feels bigger and kinder than ever.
These days, once the kids are finally tucked up in bed, you’ll often find me winding down with cosy gems like Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, and The Sims (which has changed so much since that first version I played as a teen). These games are designed to be easy-going yet still engaging — but what I’ve noticed is that they feel even gentler when I approach them in the right headspace.
It’s less about achievement now, and more about giving myself permission to enjoy a quiet moment. That shift is a small but very real example of how becoming a parent changed my gaming — trading late-night battles for gentle play that fits around family life and those moments of mental exhaustion.
What Makes a Game Cosy?
Ask ten people and you’ll get ten definitions — and that’s the beauty of it.
For me, a cosy game is one that helps you exhale. It meets you exactly where you are: tired, distracted, or simply needing a gentle escape.
Here are some common threads:
- Freedom to pause at any moment
- Gentle, non-competitive gameplay
- Soothing visuals and calming music
- Stories that feel like a warm hug
- Creative outlets (farming, building, decorating)
- Supportive, welcoming communities
What makes a game cosy for you?
How the Gaming Community Has Evolved
Two decades ago, being a woman who gamed often came with stereotypes and stigma. Today, it’s not just accepted — it’s celebrated.
The rise of cosy gaming has nurtured communities built on kindness and connection rather than competition. It’s not just about the games themselves — it’s about creating safe, welcoming spaces where everyone feels free to play in their own way. It’s reassuring to see communities now embracing the reality of gaming as a parent — how becoming a mum or dad changes the way we play.
Why I’m Writing About This Now
For years, I’ve wanted to share what gaming has meant to me — from childhood memories with Sonic to the moments of peace found in tending a virtual garden.
Gaming has given me friendships, creativity, stress relief, and countless moments of joy. And now, I want to share that joy with you.
If you’ve been curious about cosy games — or you’re a parent wondering how to keep gaming in your life through all the chaos — you’re in the right place.
What’s Next on This Cosy Journey
Here on Pickle Hugs, I’ll be sharing:
- Cosy game recommendations to help you unwind
- Honest reviews from a parent’s perspective
- Stories from my own gaming journey — what I’m playing now and what’s shaped me
- Reflections on how gaming has evolved — from Mega Drive classics to today’s indie treasures
- Occasional cosy gaming news and updates worth knowing
And I’d love to hear from you too. What’s your cosy gaming story? Which games help you feel calmer and more at ease? Share your thoughts in the comments — let’s start this gentle conversation together.
Thanks for reading
xLx