VIDEO games have been a source of comfort and relaxation, especially on days when everything feels too heavy or burdensome to bear, or at least for some.

These electronic games help people escape reality for a little while and immerse themselves in a world far from the anxieties and dilemmas they are dealing with in real life.

Others play these games to relieve the stress they accumulated after a tiring week at work or school.

Whatever you are dealing with, these five video games on the digital distribution service Steam will surely help ease the tension you’re feeling.  

Unpacking

Published by Humble Games and developed by Witch Beam, Unpacking is a zen puzzle game that allows players to savor the feeling of unboxing the contents of cardboard boxes, pulling out old and new possessions, and arranging them in a new home.

This block-fitting and home decoration video game doesn’t have a time limit or scores to beat, which gives users time to relax and enjoy the calming tasks.

Photo courtesy: Steam 

As players unpack, they will discover different items that tell a story about the person who owns the belongings. 

Each level is set in a different location, such as a dorm room, an apartment, or a house. Players have to figure out where each item should go in order to create a cozy and personalized space.

Released in November 2021, Unpacking has won numerous awards including the 2022 British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) Game Award for best narrative game, 25th Annual DICE Awards for Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game, and the 2022 Game Developers Choice Award (GDCA) for best audio and innovation among many others.

This video game is available for purchase on Steam for P449.95.

Stardew Valley

This farm simulation game allows players to experience what it is like to inherit an old farm and work to turn it into a thriving business. 

The game features a variety of activities, such as planting crops, raising animals, fishing, mining, and crafting. 

Since Stardew Valley is highly interactive, players can also build relationships with the other characters in the game, get married, and have children.

Photo courtesy: Steam 

It has a relaxing and charming atmosphere, beautiful pixel art, and peaceful soundtrack.  Players are also free to explore the world of the game at their own pace as it has no set goals or time limits.

Publisher and developer ConcernedApe released Stardew Valley on February 16 and it is available on Steam for P419.95.

Melatonin

Released in December 2022, Melatonin is a hazy rhythm game that blends dreams and reality. 

According to Steam, the game uses animations and sound cues to keep players on beat without any intimidating overlays or interfaces. 

Photo courtesy: Steam 

Melatonin takes players on a dreamlike adventure through a series of abstract and atmospheric environments, where they must decode animations and audio signals and tap the right buttons to progress.

The game features hand-drawn art pieces, relaxing soundscapes, and a unique gameplay mechanic that challenges players to maneuver over shifting perspectives and visual illusions.

It allows players to immerse themselves in a gaming universe that unravels the connection between their dreams and their experiences when they are awake through surprising challenges, hand-drawn art, and vibrant music.

The game is available on Steam for P485 and was developed and published by Half Asleep.

A Little to the Left

This video game is perfect for individuals who are into organizing household items.

A Little to the Left, which was released in November 2022, is a puzzle game developed by a one-man team called One Little Goat.

The game has a minimalist art style and consists of a series of increasingly complex puzzles. 

Photo courtesy: Steam 

Each level presents a different set of objects that need to be arranged in a specific way. 

The challenge is to figure out the correct order and position for the objects by rotating and moving them around. 

As they try to organize household objects, players would also have to be on the lookout for an adorably menacing cat with an inclination for chaos and who likes to jumble items left unattended.

A Little to the Left can be purchased via Steam for P479.95.

A Short Hike

A Short Hike is an indie adventure game developed by Adam Robinson-Yu. 

In this game, users get to play as a bird named Claire who is on a vacation in a scenic national park. 

A Short Hike takes place in a small open-world environment, where players can explore the forest, interact with other animals, and complete various challenges. 

Photo courtesy: Steam 

The game’s main goal is to climb to the top of a mountain to get a cell phone signal, but the journey is more about the experience than the destination. 

The game features charming pixel art, a relaxing soundtrack, and a heartwarming story that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of exploration.

Players can avail this game for P249.95 via Steam.