Nivalis Nights, a cyberpunk life and shop simulator, has garnered user tags like 'Cyberpunk,' 'simulation,' 'life sim,' 'management,' and 'relaxing' on Steam. However, the game's lead writer, Thomas Welsh, clarifies that the 'cozy' aspect is not immediately apparent and must be earned by the player.
Welsh explained that the initial stages of Nivalis Nights are designed to be overwhelming, mirroring the stressful nature of life in a cyberpunk world. He stated, "Life in a cyberpunk world shouldn't be relaxing and free of stress—not at first anyway. If you want a cozy existence in this city, you're going to have to earn it." The game aims to simulate a feeling akin to receiving urgent notifications from all applications simultaneously, presenting players with a deluge of quests and management challenges from the outset.
The intent, according to Welsh, is to reflect a capitalist society where escape from corporate servitude is difficult. Success in Nivalis can be defined differently by each player, and it's even possible to complete the story without excelling at business management. The game does not feature player death, shooting, or boss fights, distinguishing it from more action-oriented titles.
Despite the challenging start, the game incorporates elements often associated with cozy gaming, such as decorating and management mechanics. It features a visually appealing world and compelling character stories with strong voice acting. Elements of romance are also present, which typically appeal to fans of the cozy genre. However, the initial influx of quests and the constant demands of running a business, such as restocking ingredients and paying staff, can create a significant sense of pressure.
Ultimately, whether Nivalis Nights qualifies as a 'cozy' game is highly subjective. The experience hinges on a player's tolerance for managing a demanding to-do list within a game world that, while beautiful, presents a harsh reality. The game challenges the conventional definition of cozy by demonstrating that relaxation and comfort are privileges to be acquired, not inherent states.