Vegan friendly video games offer a unique blend of entertainment and ethical values, appealing to cozy gamers that seek to align their leisure activities with their principles. The video games typically avoid depicting animal harm or exploitation and instead promote themes of compassion, sustainability, and respect for all living beings.
In a diverse world where digital entertainment is everywhere, vegan friendly games stand out by fostering empathy either through their narratives and gameplay mechanics. They invite players to engage in virtual environments where the well being of animals is prioritised, and where the animals aren’t simply killed off or exploited in any way.
Let’s face it there are plenty of video games out there that allow players to torture animals, whether intentionally or unintentionally, with games like Pokemon potentially crossing moral boundaries.
I get that they’re just ‘video games’, but considering animal suffering exists, it’s hard as a vegan to switch off. So, I’ve gone through my personal library and gathered a few vegan friendly video games that don't harm animals.
Before we Begin- Plant Based vs Vegan
To avoid any confusion with those who aren’t familiar, there is a distinct difference between being plant based vs being vegan. The terms "vegan" and "plant-based" often overlap but have distinct meanings.
"Vegan" refers to a lifestyle and ethical choice that goes beyond diet. Vegans avoid all animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey, in their diet and also in other aspects of their lives, such as clothing, cosmetics, and household products. Veganism is rooted in a commitment to animal rights, environmental sustainability, and personal health.
"Plant-based," on the other hand, specifically refers to a diet that focuses on foods derived from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. People who follow a plant-based diet may do so for health reasons rather than ethical considerations. While their diet excludes animal products, their lifestyle might not extend to other non-dietary animal products, such as leather or wool.
A Guide to Vegan Friendly Cozy Games
Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing is a popular life simulation game series, where the gameplay revolves around players moving to a deserted island or rural town populated by anthropomorphic animals. The game promotes vegan friendly principles through its emphasis on a harmonious and peaceful coexistence with nature and your villagers.
Additionally, the game encourages planting and growing a diverse range of plants, trees and crops, fostering a deep appreciation for nature. The non-violent interactions with your villagers and the ability to customise the environment that promotes sustainability and respect for wildlife, makes Animal Crossing a game that aligns well with vegan values. It provides a gentle and inclusive platform for players to create their ideal, animal friendly world. No exploitation or violence required!
Beyond Blue
Whenever we think about saving animals from being exploited, we often forget how much damage man has inflicted on marine life! That’s why I love Beyond Blue, as it promotes compassion and respect for the often forgotten living beings.
Beyond Blue is an ocean exploration game where the player plays the role of a marine biologist named Mirai, as she seeks out to understand the impact human activities have had on marine ecosystems. It allows you to explore the oceans whilst promoting a strong conservation message and emphasis on the beauty and importance of marine life. Instead of hunting and exploiting marine life, players can learn about different species, their behaviours and their habitats which I love!
When I initially saw this at EGX Rezzed 2018, I was so impressed with the behaviour of the sharks (I freaking love sharks), that I was instantly hooked! I highly recommend this game to vegans and non-vegans alike, so that you can explore tranquill underwater locations, as well as learn about some interesting underwater critters as well! And look, No Seaworld is required!
A Little to the Left
A Little to the Left is a charming puzzle game that revolves around organising household items in an aesthetically pleasing way! The game features an assortment of everyday objects that requires players to find order and harmony in a small cluttered space.
It’s calming approach to gameplay, focuses on creativity and mindfulness instead of competition or conflict. There are no elements of animal exploitation or harm, but instead emphasises on order and beauty in mundane tasks. Although animals aren’t the main feature of the gameplay, you do witness a few cameos from a housecat who is determined to mess up your organisation, which as a proud cat mum, knows that feeling all too well!
Side Note: Please consider donating or helping out Cats Protection. They’re probably just one of the animal charities out there that actually stand behind their own ethos, and I've had the pleasure of witnessing their hard work and dedication first hand! So if you can spare it, please consider donating or helping out where you can!
Little Kitty, Big City
Despite living in a country that claims to be a nation of animal lovers, I often find that so called love doesn’t stretch beyond dogs, which as a cat mum is infuriating. Cats are often depicted as aloof, boring and spiteful creatures, which couldn’t be further from the truth! That’s why I love Little Kitty. Big City as it somewhat sets out to deter that myth whilst giving us a fan game in which we play from the perspective of the cat!
In this adventure game, you play as a cat who needs to reach his window at the top of an apartment complex, and explores a bustling urban environment. Here you engage in fun activities that reflect the playful and highly inquisitive nature of a cat, such as climbing, exploring and interacting with various levels of the environment. It emphasised the jot and wonder of experiencing the word through the eyes of an animal, fostering a sense of empathy and appreciation for our feline friends.
Mineko’s Night Market
I’m sorry, it’s another cat-themed game, but what can I say- I adore cats!
Mineko’s Night Market is an indie game that combines elements of crafting, farming and social simulation into one. The game centres around a young girl named Mineko who moves to a Japanese inspired island with a rich cultural history.
One of the main draws of the game is the Night Market itself, where players can trade goods, participate in fun activities, and interact with the island’s residents, many of whom are fans of cats. The game promotes vegan friendly values by focusing on community, creativity, and the appreciation of animal companions. Instead of involving any form of animal exploitation, it celebrates a bond between humans and animals, particularly cats.
Alba: A Wildlife Adventure
A cozy game that no one really talks about, Alba: A Wildlife Adventure is an exploration and adventure game that follows a young girl named Alba as she spends a summer on a Mediterranean island, dedicated to saving its wildlife. With a strong environmental conservation message, the game focuses on protecting and appreciating animal life.
Players engage in activities such as rescuing animals, cleaning up pollution, and documenting various species of birds and other wildlife. Through Alba’s journey, the player can learn about the impact of human activities on the environment and the steps that they can take to make a positive difference. As this game promotes empathy, environmental stewardship, and respect for all living beings, I would strongly say that this game resonates deeply with vegan values!
Cat Cafe Manager
Cat Cafe Manager is a simulation game where players can run a cafe that caters to both human and feline visitors. Although cat cafes could be considered exploitation in some circumstances, this game focuses on creating a welcoming environment for plenty of stray cats, not just the customers.
The vegan friendly aspect of the game lies in its emphasis on caring for animals and providing a safe and nurturing space for them. Players must adopt, feed, and take care of stray cats, ensuring that they are healthy and happy- which I would love to do in real life! It’s great that this game’s focus is on animal welfare and building a loving community, rather than exploiting the cats for monetary gain!
The Sims 4
The Sims 4 offers cozy gamers the chance to live in a virtual world where players can create their dreams, including a vegan friendly world. With the base game and expansion packs such as Eco Lifestyle and Cottage Living, players can go vegan, grow their own produce, prepare plant based meals, and embrace a sustainable living.
Although in Cottage Living, you can technically get produce, such as eggs and milk from your farm animals, cozy gamers can role play having an animal sanctuary, and tend to their needs without exploitation. Whether your sim is dining on delicious vegan dishes or even trying to create a greener world, The Sims 4 provides the perfect platform for a compassionate and environmentally conscious lifestyle.
*Images are sourced from the official game companies and used under fair use. All words are my own.