Fans of the cozy game genre will have a new title to look forward to. Sumo Digital and Secret Mode recently announced Critter Café, set to launch in 2024.
Showcased at the Summer Games Fest Play Days 2024, this enchanting title invites players to discover and rescue fantastical animals, bringing them back to the cozy cafe they built.
Gregory gave us a personal introduction to the game:
“The player has just started a brand-new life, taking it at their own pace on this new island that they’ve just moved to. This is a cafe space that the player is refurbishing into a cozy and welcoming home, both for visiting townsfolks and for the critters that they’re rescuing alike,” said Sumo Newcastle developer and Critter Café’s creator, Eleanor Gregory.
Drawing inspiration from the cozy allure of animal cafes and a love for fantastical creatures, Critter Café offers an immersive escape from reality into its adorable fantasy world. With its enchanting chibi art style and soft, upbeat music, players can enjoy a playful, toy-like atmosphere in this cozy game.
In Critter Café, players embark on a new life on the island, refurbishing their cafe to a welcoming space for both visiting town folk and rescued animals. In the cafe, players customise their space and play interactive minigames.
While players are outside rescuing Critters, they can solve environmental puzzles and admire the bright vibrant landscapes for players to explore and find more Critters.
The initial showcase of Critter Café introduced a charming roster of Critters for players to meet and provided a glimpse into its gameplay and beautiful scenery.
“I’ve always been a fan of wholesome and cozy games myself. I think that it’s a lovely genre of game for promoting sort of lower-stakes escapism, promoting comfort and compassion,” Gregory said.