Home
/
Indie games
/
Indie game reviews
/

Finding the perfect games for my non gaming wife

Switching Interests | Gamers Share Tips for Newcomer Spouses

By

Kota Yamamoto

Aug 27, 2025, 03:37 PM

2 minutes of duration

A husband and wife play 2D video games on a couch, smiling and having fun, with a game console and controllers nearby.

A wave of support from gamers is flooding user boards as one husband seeks inspiration for introducing his wife to gaming. As she shows interest, he plans to expand her options before December with a new Steam Deck.

The husband is excited that his wife is curious about gaming, having previously played Nintendo Switch titles like Limbo and Animal Crossing. Users from various forums chimed in with advice and solidarity, sharing their experiences converting non-gamers. Many noted the importance of patience while learning controls, especially when transitioning from 2D to more complex gaming styles.

Encouragement is Key

Players underscore the value of support. One noted, "Every journey starts somewhereโ€”just keep encouraging her!" Various comments emphasized starting with local co-op and accessible games. Users suggested titles like:

  • Pode

  • Spiritfarer

  • Littlewood

These games are praised for their simplicity and charm, making them perfect for beginners.

โ€œPrison Architect converted me years ago. Patience pays off!โ€ โ€”A reformed gamer

Game Recommendations Abound

Other commenters provided specific recommendations, citing their own conversion experiences. Suggestions ranged from cozy titles to engaging puzzles.

  • The Last Campfire

  • Garden Story

  • A Tiny Sticker Tale

Interestingly, many users highlighted games with straightforward mechanics to ease new players into the hobby. One suggested Lego games as a fun entry point, noting their intuitive gameplay.

Supportive Community Spirit

As the narrative unfolds, the forum community demonstrates a strong camaraderie. Encouraging messages and practical tips help ease newcomers into the gaming fold. Many agree that starting with titles that minimize frustration is critical in creating a positive experience.

Key Highlights

  • โ–ณ Community suggests local co-op games as a starting point

  • โ–ฝ Patience from spouses highlighted as crucial in the gaming journey

  • โ€ป "Starting with Pode is a great idea!" - Top comment

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, this supportive community showcases how gaming can bring people together, transcending levels of experience and familiarity. Will these newcomers continue to engage with gaming as a fruitful hobby, or will this curiosity fade? Only time will tell.

Future Gaming Journey Ahead

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that as more spouses enter the gaming world, weโ€™ll see a rise in social gaming experiences, especially among couples. This trend suggests a shift toward cooperative games, with approximately 70% of new players likely to seek out experiences that foster connection rather than competition. With platforms like Steam making games easily accessible, itโ€™s probable that titles designed for collaborative play will dominate the market in the coming months, pushing developers to cater to this growing audience. As new gamers explore, they might also inspire a wave of community-driven support, reinforcing a positive feedback loop that increases participation from the wider population.

Reflections from the World of Cooking

The current wave of gaming curiosity among non-gamers mirrors a culinary phenomenon from the mid-2010s when people started experimenting with home cooking. Just as food enthusiasts shared recipes on platforms, facilitating a culture where novices could engage, newcomers to gaming are finding similar camaraderie within forums. In both cases, the initial reluctance fades as the supportive atmosphere encourages exploration. The success of these journeys hinges on patience, guidance, and the willingness to make mistakes, hinting that the act of sharing experiences can turn a daunting activity into a rewarding one.