Why I Started PeaPodGirlGaming: Cozy Games, Mental Health & Community
Over the past year, writing this blog has become one of my favourite things to do, and not just because I love playing games. This blog started as a bit of an experiment, a way to talk about the games I loved, especially the ones that felt a bit overlooked. It’s made me think a lot about why I game, what I get out of it, and why I feel drawn to cozy, story-driven, or slow-paced titles in particular. So I wanted to share a bit about how this blog came to be, what “cozy gaming” means to me, and what I’ve learned so far.
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Game Image: Toem: A Photo Adventure, Developer: Something We Made
A Bit About Me and My Gaming Journey
I’ve been into games for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing Crash Bandicoot and Spyro on the PlayStation One, and later spent hours unwinding after school with Harvest Moon: Magical Melody on the Wii. On my DS, I’d get properly lost in The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, or pass the time with Brain Training and Cooking Mama.
Then came my 20s, and I played less. It didn’t really feel like “the done thing” anymore, didn’t feel very “adult”. I didn’t know many other people who gamed, and a lot of the titles out at the time didn’t feel like they were made for me. I missed it, but gaming just faded into the background.
That changed when I met a few people who were properly into games and encouraged me to buy a Nintendo Switch. They told me to try Stardew Valley, and I haven’t looked back since.
Soon after, I picked up an Xbox and got into Game Pass, and that opened up a whole new world. Games like Death’s Door, Hades and Wildfrost showed me that there was way more variety out there than I’d realised. Even games I didn’t think were “my thing”, like Baldur’s Gate 3, which my partner bought me for Christmas, completely surprised me and became one of my favourite games.
Game Image: Wanderstop, Developer: Ivy Road
Why I Started This Blog
Gaming became more than a way to pass the time. It turned into something I actively relied on to help manage stress, cope with anxiety, or just wind down when everything felt a bit too much.
There’s something powerful about a game that meets you where you are. Whether it’s a soothing life sim like Spiritfarer, an emotional story like Gris, or just getting lost building in The Sims while listening to a podcast, these experiences can genuinely help. For me, they’ve done a lot.
And yet, even now, there’s still a bit of shame or judgement around playing games, especially as an adult woman. I know what it’s like to feel that, and I wanted to create a space where it doesn’t exist. A space where people can find games they love, feel understood, and maybe feel a little bit better after reading.
That’s what PeaPodGirlGaming is about. Whether I’m reviewing something new, compiling lists of games by mood or theme, or highlighting hidden gems, I want this blog to feel like a soft landing spot, a place to get excited about games without needing to explain why they matter to you.
It hasn’t been easy. I definitely underestimated how much time, thought, and trial-and-error goes into running a blog. But I love it. I love the process of playing, thinking, writing, and (hopefully) connecting with others who feel the same.
A Little Milestone…
Earlier this month, PeaPodGirlGaming was included in Feedspot’s 20 Best Women in Gaming Blogs. It means a lot to be recognised alongside other amazing creators, especially as someone who once didn’t feel like there was a place for me in the gaming world.
Feedspot curates blogs across different topics to help people discover new creators, and being selected as one of the top women-led gaming blogs on the web means a lot, especially considering I didn’t even feel like a “real gamer” not that long ago.
You can see the full list here if you’re curious:
👉 Feedspot’s 20 Best Women In Gaming Blogs and Websites in 2025
Game Image: Spiritfarer, Developer: Thunder Lotus Games
What You’ll Find on PeaPodGirlGaming
I write about the games I’m playing, whether it’s the latest indie gem on Game Pass or a Switch title I’ve finally got round to. I put together themed lists, highlight cozy or creative games you might have missed, and occasionally cover key gaming news when it feels relevant to this space.
I’m also leaning more into the connection between games and mental wellbeing. For me, gaming has been a way to decompress, to feel seen, and to reconnect with myself when things feel heavy. That’s something I want to bring into the blog more intentionally, not just sharing what I’m playing, but why it’s helped, or why it might help someone else.
So whether you’re after something soothing to play after work, a new obsession to sink into, or just a reminder that it’s okay to love video games as an adult, I hope you find something here that speaks to you.
Game Image: Stardew Valley, Developer: ConcernedApe
Become a part of The Pod Community
If you enjoy what you find here at PeaPodGirlGaming, I’d love to have you join The Pod Community in whatever way feels right for you!
Sign up for the newsletter to get updates, exclusive game recommendations, and behind-the-scenes thoughts straight to your inbox.
Follow me on social media - I’m active on TikTok, Bluesky, X and Instagram where I share quick updates, gaming chat, and occasional giveaways.
Comment on posts! I read every comment and love hearing your thoughts, suggestions, or just what games you’re currently enjoying.
Recommend games - Have a cozy game or hidden gem you think I should check out? Let me know! Contact me here or DM me on socials
Interested in collaborating? I’m always open to partnerships, guest posts, or other creative ideas, just get in touch!
And down the line, I’m hoping to start a Discord community where we can chat more directly, share tips, and maybe even play together.
Engagement means a lot, not just to help this blog grow, but to create a space where we can all share our love of games and support each other.
Thanks so much for being here 🥰
