The Rise of Wholesome Games: How Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing Ignited a Movement
Exploring the Origins of Wholesome Games
Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons have been credited with kickstarting a trend of wholesome games that has captivated players around the world. However, the development of non-violent, peaceful games far predates these cultural phenomena. One such developer is Prideful Sloth, a Brisbane-based studio founded in 2015. With a focus on creating cozy, explorative titles, Prideful Sloth has made a name for itself in the industry.
Prideful Sloth: Creating Wholesome Games
Joel Styles and Cheryl Vance founded Prideful Sloth, and they were soon joined by John Northwood, a programmer with a decade of experience at companies such as Sega, Rocksteady, and Kixeye. The team describes themselves as a “micro-AAA studio,” as they bring their collective AAA experience to the creation of a different kind of game. Inspired by Nintendo and Harvest Moon, Prideful Sloth’s games are known for their heart and absence of combat. This unique approach to game development has gained them a dedicated following.
The Animal Crossing Effect and Growing Success
The release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020 had a profound impact on the gaming industry, leading to a surge in interest for wholesome games. John Northwood, director at Prideful Sloth, believes the studio has experienced the “Animal Crossing effect” to some extent. He notes that the cultural shift towards cozy games has created a growing market, especially during the pandemic. However, Northwood emphasizes that Prideful Sloth’s business model focuses on long-term sustainability rather than relying on a single hit game.
The Open Development Model and Community Engagement
Prideful Sloth is currently working on Go-Go Town, a town-building simulation game. The studio has adopted an open development model, allowing players from around the world to participate in playtests and provide feedback. This approach aims to involve the community in the game’s development process and build a strong fan base. While open development poses challenges, such as the need to release stable builds regularly and the potential for community criticism, Northwood believes it offers valuable insights and the opportunity to shape the game based on player feedback.
A Shift towards Games-as-a-Service
Prideful Sloth aims to make Go-Go Town a game-as-a-service, meaning they plan to continue updating and improving the game even after its release. This approach aligns with their goal of sustainability and long-term success. Northwood expresses hope that enough players will support the game to enable ongoing development. Furthermore, the studio envisions combining open-world and sim game elements in the future, creating even more engaging experiences for players.
The Importance of Sustainability in Australian Game Development
Prideful Sloth’s commitment to sustainability is influenced by its location in Australia. Northwood highlights the need to be profitable and self-reliant in the Brisbane game development scene, as obtaining funding can be challenging. However, Prideful Sloth did receive funding from Screen Queensland in 2022, strengthening their position while still prioritizing independence and self-sufficiency. The studio values its relationship with the local community and appreciates the support it can provide.
The Unique Spirit of Australian Game Developers
When asked about the secret behind the success of Australian game developers, Northwood humorously attributes it to Australians being “chill” and “weirdos.” This lighthearted spirit, combined with a passion for creativity, drives the Australian game development scene. The supportive and tight-knit community in Brisbane fosters collaboration and innovation.
A Bright Future for Wholesome Games
Prideful Sloth and other developers in the wholesome games movement are paving the way for a future filled with cozy, non-violent gaming experiences. As the popularity of games like Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing continues to soar, players around the world are embracing the warmth and tranquility these games provide. With a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and creative innovation, Prideful Sloth is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of wholesome gaming.