Wholesome Direct returns in June, packing ‘about 60’ cozy games

Wholesome Direct, the annual showcase of indie games with uplifting vibes, is returning to the Summer Game Fest slate this year, publisher Wholesome Games announced Monday.

The 2025 edition of Wholesome Direct will kick off at noon EDT/9 a.m. PDT on Saturday, June 7, and will stream on Wholesome Games’ YouTube and Twitch channels.

Last year’s event showed off dozens of games, and the upcoming stream will be no different. Expect looks at “about 60 emotionally resonant titles,” according to a news release from Wholesome Games. The list of indie developers and publishers involved includes Playstack (publisher of Balatro and the Golden Idol games), Ustwo Games (Monument Valley), and Wētā Workshop (Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game).

Wholesome Games is also promising updates on titles from its own publishing arm, Wholesome Games Presents, such as Poti Poti Studio’s Is This Seat Taken? and Kenney’s MakeRoom.

As usual, Wholesome Games will be selling merch during the show and donating the proceeds to charity. This year, the company is partnering with Point of Pride, a nonprofit organization that helps provide gender-affirming care and financial support to trans people.