Cozy games are still doing well for themselves, especially on the Nintendo Switch. Multiple games within the genre were unveiled during the early 2023 Nintendo Direct showcase, including the life simulators Fantasy Life i: The Girl Who Steals Time and Fashion Dreamer. While fashion games were popular during the heyday of the Nintendo DS, few have been developed in recent years. The development of Fashion Dreamer and its innovative take on combining life simulator mechanics with fashion elements might point to a bright -- but different -- future for the cozy game genre.
As the Nintendo Switch has gained more players, games in the "cozy" genre have been among some of the most popular games available on the console. Particular standouts are Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, two of the most popular video and best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch. The games have achieved enduring popularity based on multiple factors -- including compelling gameplay, memorable characters, and player freedom -- but their ability to host multiplayer functionality is a particular triumph. While very little is known about Fashion Dreamer, it appears to have the same emphasis on player freedom and community that some of the best cozy games have.
Fashion Dreamer Combines Fashion Design With Cozy Community Gameplay
One of the hallmarks of the "cozy" game genre is that players are given the freedom to play their way through a relaxing escape from everyday life. Fashion Dreamer allows players to step into the shoes of a fashion influencer avatar called a "Muse," creating trends, designing clothing, and building their platform. The game will include over 1,000 different clothing and style options, making it possibly one of the most nuanced fashion games ever created. Players can also interact with other Muses by exploring the world of Eve, recommending outfits, and trying on other player-created looks.
For gamers who are fans of fashion and life simulators, Fashion Dreamer might be the perfect game to satisfy both needs. The game's focus on character personalization is particularly immersive compared to other life simulators, allowing players to create and customize their avatar as a means of gameplay, not just for aesthetics. While very little is known about the upcoming game, it will seemingly benefit from the popularity of cozy life simulator games like My Time at Portia and Cozy Grove while providing a new take on the genre. The popularity of the Animal Crossing clothing customization system bodes well for the future of Fashion Dreamer and games like it.
Fashion Dreamer Is The Latest Among Fashion-Related Life Simulators
Nintendo Switch gamers may be unaware that Fashion Dreamer is only the latest announced fashion-influenced game for developer Syn Sophia. Syn Sophia was behind the development of the Style Savvy series released on the Nintendo DS and 3DS. While the Style Savvy franchise is still trapped on the DS, quite a few fashion games have been created since. For instance, The Sims 4 unveiled a "style influencer" career path that allows players to give other Sims makeovers and build a following. The Sims 3: Ambitions expansion pack also debuted a "stylist" career path centered around dressing and styling other Sims based on their needs.
Fashion Dreamer seems to be an excellent fit for the Nintendo Switch, satisfying players with an itch for fashion design who also want to play on the go. Hopefully, the in-game world of Eve will allow for nuanced cozy gameplay, including main quests, side quests, interior design, fashion design challenges, and maybe even social interaction mechanics like friendship and romance. It also remains to be seen if Fashion Dreamer will include an overarching storyline. Still, since the game is being made in collaboration with XSEED Games -- a subsidiary of the famed Harvest Moon developer Marvelous -- chances are good that it'll fit right into the cozy game genre.
Fashion Dreamer will be released in 2023.