Sometimes you just need a game to be a little comforting refuge from the stress of, you know, everything. Enter the cozy games genre, sometimes called wholesome games. These low-stress experiences are meant to be relaxing, friendly escapes. And that's what the Wholesome Direct showcase celebrates. It's like if herbal tea were a video game. This year's Wholesome Direct introduced dozens of new games, including four that you can play or try right now:

• LumberbearJack
• Freshly Frosted
• Melodyssey (Demo)
• Spirit Swap (Demo)

But there were lots of exciting games besides those. We've rounded up some of our favorite, most anticipated games from this year's Wholesome Direct. Check out why we can't wait to cozy up with these cozy games.

Chicken Journey

I am not particularly great at platformers, meaning there has to be something really special about one to get me excited to play it. That said, I am incredibly excited to try out Chicken Journey. The sweet and silly game follows a chicken as they seek out the answer to a question as old as time itself: what came first, the chicken or the egg? Needless to say, I am very curious to discover the truth and solve all this game's cute li'l puzzles. -- Jessica Howard