The cutest video games from the Wholesome Direct 2026 showcase

Every yr at Summer Game Fest, nestled in between the splashy blockbuster showcases, the Wholesome Direct offers a pleasant change of tempo. It’s equally full of video games — this yr’s version had greater than 50 — however the vibe is extra chill and, effectively, healthful. As in years previous, I’ve pulled out a number of the extra intriguing reveals and bulletins, although you’ll be able to watch the entire thing for your self right here. And should you’re serious about testing a number of the video games — a couple of can be found now, and a bunch have demos — there’s a dedicated Steam page.

Way again in 2017, Hidden Folks helped usher in a brand new style of seek-and-find video games — and now it’s getting a sequel. There aren’t a number of particulars but, however Hidden Folks 2 will characteristic “hand-drawn, interactive, miniature landscapes in various new themes, together with more silly jokes, more mouth sounds, and various quality of life improvements.” It’s launching in 2027 on each cell and PC.

This narrative journey comes from a brand new studio helmed by Sable co-creator Daniel Fineberg. And the premise is actually intriguing:

In The Drift follows the story of Luna, a younger lady beginning her new job as a telecoms engineer in house. Solve issues on the job in the course of the day, then spend the night hanging out with the crew again on the ship. In The Drift is a narrative about making an attempt to be a superb individual, and discovering hope and which means in a world that feels prefer it’s drifting aside.

Moomin: Midsummer Madness

We already know the Finnish storybook realm of the Moomins interprets effectively to video games set in winter, and now we’ll have one thing a bit of hotter to get pleasure from. Midsummer Madness modifications issues up with a painterly visible model, together with a extra fantastical premise involving “a floating abandoned theatre filled with puzzles and mysteries.” It’s launching someday in 2026 on each PC and the Switch.

Described as “a mystery puzzle game about communicating with people you don’t understand,” Patience Is a Virtue places you within the position of a latest faculty grad who has returned to his childhood house solely to be taught that issues are very totally different. Things get even worse when he’s attacked by a sentient cassette participant. You can test it out for your self with the Steam demo.

A comfortable twist on metropolis builders, Waterful has you digging riverbeds with a purpose to information water and rejuvenate desert valleys and entice wildlife. And for the reason that places are procedurally generated, it ought to supply loads of replayability for when that you must sit back.

Did I choose this recreation due to its lovely title? Sure, however the recreation additionally seems nice. It’s described as an open-world journey the place you play as a misplaced otter who will “meet quirky animal friends, solve gentle puzzles, and enjoy light platforming.” It’s giving me Ecco the Dolphin vibes, solely in 3D, and it’s launching on Steam in September.

The Wandering Village: The Last Leviathan

The Wandering Village was an incredible spin on metropolis builders during which your metropolis was on the again of an enormous, strolling creature. Now the sport is getting a giant growth referred to as The Last Leviathan, which, you guessed it, offers you a brand new aquatic being to construct on prime of. The replace additionally provides new mechanics constructed across the creature’s physique temperature and temper, in addition to an arctic ocean to discover.