Cozy and relaxing PS5 Games to play with your Kids
Gaming has become a universal form of entertainment in modern society, yet parents often view gaming as an unproductive pastime. However, recent research suggests moderate gaming can actually provide cognitive benefits for kids and adults alike. While historically game consoles conjure images of multiplayer combat titles, the medium has expanded to offer thought-provoking experiences across diverse genres.
Games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and even spatial awareness. The interactive nature of games engages our minds in ways passive media cannot.
Of course, moderation is key – setting limits on playtime is still important. But with a thoughtful approach, video games can complement a balanced lifestyle. Rather than dismissing them entirely, parents should consider engaging with their kids by embracing family-friendly games. Shared gaming may reveal this pastime is more enriching than we presumed.
Here are some cozy, relaxing, peaceful, unwinding, minimal-effort PS5 games.
Sky: Children of the Light
Social relaxation game where you soar through breathtaking landscapes. No objectives or fail states.
Social adventure game that can be played solo or with others. Explore beautiful landscapes together. The objective is to spread light and hope through realms that have fallen to darkness.
No combat, death, or other traditional gameplay elements. The focus is on exploration. Soar through floating islands, misty forests, ancient ruins, and more stunning environments.
Rated E for Everyone by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).
Everything
Experience being various objects and creatures in surreal interactive simulations. Contemplative.
Developed by David OReilly, known for abstract animated films and games. Explore procedural generated environments filled with interactive objects and creatures. You can become anything in the simulation – animals, plants, natural and manmade objects. Play as things ranging from galaxies and horses to pickup trucks and eyeballs.
Over 3,000 things to be. philosopher Alan Watts’ speeches about existence provide narration. Music by Ben Lukas Boysen helps set a meditative, philosophical tone. No set goals or objectives. Wander and experiment at your own pace.
Unfortunately the game Everything does not have an official rated age range
Abzu
A beautiful underwater exploration game with dreamlike visuals and swimming mechanics. Calming atmosphere, I love this!
Developed by Giant Squid, the small indie studio formed by Matt Nava, art director for Journey. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of vibrant ocean environments brought to life. Inspired by scuba diving and director Matt Nava’s love of the ocean.
Relaxing swimming controls to gently navigate through reefs, kelp forests, and ruins. Hundreds of realistic marine species to discover, some inspired by real creatures. Interact with sea life like sharks, whales, dolphins, fish, and glowing jellyfish. Soothing ambient score by composer Austin Wintory enhances the underwater tranquility.
Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board).
Flower
A serene, wordless journey guiding flower petals on the wind. Soothing ambient soundtrack. This one is my favorite to play with my family.
Developed by Thatgamecompany, creators of poetic games like Journey and ABZU. You play as the wind, guiding flower petals through lush, sun-drenched fields. Simple motion-based controls to steer the petals using the controller. Intuitive for all ages.
No text, dialogue, or clearly defined objectives. Experience is subjective. A peaceful piano soundtrack enhances the tranquil atmosphere. As you spread petals, you restore life and color to the environment.
Explore forests, cityscapes, windmills, and rocky canyons across six dreamlike levels. Designed to provoke positive emotions like joy, peacefulness, and harmony. Supported VR on PS4 expands the calming immersion.
Flower is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB. According to their guidelines: E games are suitable for gamers ages 6 and up.
Journey
An emotional narrative adventure traversing stunning desert landscapes. Focus on nonverbal storytelling.
Developed by thatgamecompany, creators of thoughtful games like Flower and ABZU. Wordless narrative about a robed figure traveling through ancient ruins to a distant mountaintop. Explore the ruins of a once-thriving civilization now barren but still beautiful.
Ambiguous narrative left open to interpretation about life, death, and transcendence. Can play alone or randomly encounter other players online without communication. Simple controls and no tutorials allow you to immerse yourself completely. Haunting musical score by Austin Wintory creates emotional weight.
Received many Game of the Year awards for its innovative multiplayer and art direction.
Journey is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, according to their guidelines
Lost Words: Beyond the page
Developed by Sketchbook Games and published by Modus Games Narrative adventure game set between the pages of a young girl’s diary and fantasy land. You play as a girl named Izzy, who is coping with the loss of her grandmother through her writing.
Smoothly transition between writing in Izzy’s diary and interacting in the storybook world. Simple platforming and environmental puzzles to progress Izzy’s tale. Charming storybook aesthetic is brought to life with colorful scenes and imaginative worlds.
Reflective narrative about childhood, grief, and coping with change and loss. Excellent voice acting conveys the emotion of Izzy’s poignant journey. The relaxing orchestral soundtrack complements the whimsical yet bittersweet tone. Received many awards for its artistic presentation, moving writing, and subtle gameplay.
There is no graphic violence, blood, gore, or profanity. Gameplay involves simple platforming and puzzles in fantasy environments. The narrative deals with emotional topics like grief, loss, and coping. Visuals are artistic and fantastical, with a storybook aesthetic.
Lost Words: Beyond the Page is rated E10+ (Everyone 10 and up) according to the ESRB's guidelines.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure
A cute and colorful 3D platformer starring the lovable Sackboy. Great for younger kids.
Part of the LittleBigPlanet franchise starring the iconic character Sackboy 3D platforming adventure with fun, cartoony visuals and humor Single player story mode or local co-op for up to 4 players Varied levels ranging from forests, jungles, oceans, mountains and more
There are power-ups and costumes to find throughout levels Simple, responsive controls suitable for younger players Charming music and Sackboy’s expressive sounds add to the lightheartedness Boss battles involve dodging attacks and hitting weak points and additional mini-games and challenges outside the main story
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB
Behind the Frame
Another one of my favorite is Behind the Frame. You get to play as Christy, a young aspiring artist who gets a job restoring paintings for a museum.
While working, Christy mysteriously gets transported into the world within the paintings. Touching narrative with themes of passion for art, personal growth and friendship.
Explore paintings ranging from still lifes to landscapes to recreate them. Simple painting mechanics allow you to recreate key elements of each painting. Relaxing experience focused on appreciation of art rather than challenges. Hand-drawn visuals in an art nouveau and art deco style.
Behind the Frame is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, according to their guidelines
It Takes Two
It Takes Two is a co-op adventure game. Developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts The story follows estranged couple Cody and May who are magically turned into dolls and must work together in co-op to navigate challenges and save their relationship
Seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op, or play locally with a friend Variety of locations like workshop, greenhouse, campsite, and more imaginative contraptions and abilities to traverse obstacles as a team.
Boss fights require cooperating to expose weaknesses Whimsical humor and a heartfelt story about reconciliation Received critical praise for enjoyable co-op gameplay and story
It Takes Two is rated T for Teen by the ESRB due to suggestive themes related to marital conflicts
Don’t mimic existing games. Lead players somewhere they’ve never been.” – Kim Swift, designer of Portal
As I understand this quote, not rehashing familiar content and instead breaking new ground with innovative experiences that are calming, relaxing, and thought-provoking is a better way to go. Hope this cultivates a healthy and mindful gaming relationship for your family too.