Featured Image Credit: Sunny Syrup Studio
Topics: Steam, PC, Indie Games, Stardew Valley
I’m a big fan of Stardew Valley but as cosy as it is, it’s also a game that requires a fair amount of grind and sometimes, I’m simply not in the mood for that.
That’s where Not Monday Cafe may come in.
Developed by Sunny Syrup Studio, there’s plenty that Not Monday Cafe has in common with Stardew Valley.
It boasts a pixel art aesthetic and belongs to the cosy genre.
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What sets Not Monday Cafe apart though is that it’s an idle cafe management game, so if you truly want to game in the most minimal sense, this relaxing title has you covered.
“Cosy idle cafe management game that runs at the bottom of your screen. Create and manage your dream cafe without interrupting your day,” reads the synopsis.
“Design a charming restaurant, hire an adorable staff, and grow fresh ingredients on your very own farm. Cook and serve delicious dishes while focusing on other tasks.”
Cosy fans will also adore Hello Kitty Island Adventure, now available on Nintendo Switch and PC.
As Not Monday Cafe’s description suggests, you’ll be tasked with running an adorable cafe, decorating the joint, catering to its customers, and cooking up delicious meals.
You’ll also venture outside of the cafe to your nearby farm where you’ll harvest produce to take back.
This may sound like a lot of work but once you’ve acquired staff, you’ll be able to sit back and watch them operate at the bottom of your screen while you get on with another IRL task on your computer.
Now, I don’t condone playing Not Monday Cafe if you're supposed to be paying attention to a lecture or partaking in a work Teams call … but it is designed to be played in congruence with another activity.
While the game’s release date is listed as “coming soon”, a free demo is currently available to sample on Steam.
In fact, Not Monday Cafe is one of many idle games partaking in the Steam Idler Fest, most of which fit that definition of “cosy” so I’d certainly sift through and find a couple of demos up your alley.