The Best Cozy Game Since ACNH? : Sticky Business

 

Introducing Sticky Business

Guys, Gals, and Pals I would like to introduce you all to the most calming and relaxing game I believe I've ever played in my entire life: Sticky Business. This game was developed by Spellgarden Games and published by Assemble Entertainment. Sticky Business was released on Steam on July 17th, 2023 however, I did not hear about it until January 2nd, 2024. It must've been one heck of a day based on my YouTube history but I remember mindlessly searching for something to watch and then I stumbled across a video titled "Top 10 Cozy Games That ARE NOT farming Sims| Nintendo Switch + PC" by Youtuber Payton'sCorner. I don't know about you all but I am getting pretty tired of cozy games constantly revolving around farming. I'll still play a few but I don't always enjoy watering crops and throwing seeds in the dirt.. it gets boring after a while but that's a tangent for another day. Nonetheless, I got excited when I saw Payton'sCorner video and immediately clicked on it, anticipating the gems I'd discover. Here is the link to the video for those who want to broaden their horizons on some non-farming cozy games :) 

Top 10 Cozy Games That ARE NOT Farming Sims by Payton'sCorner

When Payton mentioned Sticky Business, I became super intrigued. The bright colors, simplicity, and mission all stood out to me so I knew I had to get it. 

Sticky Business is currently available on Steam only and can be played on PC, IOS devices (like a MacBook or iMac), and the Steam deck as well. This game is currently not on Switch, nor any other console (or mobile) as of January 2024. 

Image sourced from steam.com 

What is Sticky Business?

In this brightly colored and cutesy designed game, you play as a sticker shop owner. Your objective is to design stickers based on customer needs, print said sticker and then package and mail them out. This objective is super simple which makes the game easily adaptable. After the initial tutorial, you jump straight into the game and start designing, FOREVER. No literally, once you get past the tutorial all you do is design. There are some story aspects such as getting to know a little bit more about your customers from the messages they send you but ultimately you are a design machine. 

images of my own gameplay of Sticky Business developed by SpellGarden Games 

Who Sticky Business may be best suited for 

- People who enjoy designing 

- Artists 

- Those who may need healthy or calming coping mechanisms

- People who like brightly colored and cutesy themes. 

Who Sticky Business may not be best suited for

- Completionists (this game is never-ending)

- People who like fighting or action 

- Big Brained folks (you can literally go on autopilot mode when you play this game)

I believe in giving games a fair shot whether it's what I'd typically play or not. For example, I've played Back 4 Blood and Apex Legends which is quite out of my willhouse since I seldom play shooter games. I did enjoy trying to play them but I currently don't touch these titles which is fine, at least I gave them a fair chance. I would recommend Sticky Business to anyone who enjoys video games but it is definitely a niche game. 

How does Sticky Business compare to Animal Crossing New Horizons? 

During the height of COVID, a lot of us found comfort in the Nintendo title Animal Crossing New Horizons. It had the cutesy aspect along with some interior design and socialization (I mean you spoke with animals but they were sassy and had different personalities so it was social either way). Another great aspect was being able to invite real-life friends and family to your island. Tie in a lot of customization freedom and this game was truly a cozy gamers paradise. However, between the lack of updates, life getting back to normal and people simply getting tired of the game, it took a major step back on the popularity chart in the Nintendo Switch eshop. The game and franchise in totality is still very popular it just does not have a chokehold on us all the way it did in 2020 - early 2021. One thing that stuck out to me while playing Sticky Business is the design aspect of it all. It took me back to when I would design unique clothing items and furniture in Animal Crossing New Horizons and parade them on my character There was a lot of pressure to customize items and make them look good because we had so much creative freedom in that game. As a person who isn't adept in the drawing or designing sector of art, it was quite overwhelming for me to curate my own design that was cute and original to show off around my island and even share with others. This caused me to mainly utilize the designs of some super talented ACNH players who would upload their original designs to the ethers through the able sisters shop. Now with Sticky Business, designing is on a simpler scale. You are just designing stickers with already-made templates and themes. This does not put too much pressure on the creative aspect of the game however, it still allows you to play around with colors, shapes, and sizes to make it your own. 

Final Thoughts

Sticky Business is overall such a peaceful and simple experience. It has a calming and repetitive aspect making this an easy game to multitask with. It also gives some insight into the dealings of a business owner. I know it's 2024 and many people have online businesses but a lot of us still have no idea what goes into a business, even the simpler parts. Think of your favorite Etsy shop or perhaps you have your own Etsy shop, this game encapsulates what having a cute sticker business entails. This is my favorite autopilot game to play right now. It's perfect after a difficult day at work, school, or just life in general. It feels great to just design, package, and ship. There are three game modes: Normal, Relaxed, and Limitless (the latter being my favorite). I can put on a podcast or YouTube video while I play this which is peak relaxation for me. I strongly encourage anyone who has ever played life sims, click-and-point games, or experimental folks to try this one out!