The live stream is set for May 26 at 1:00 p.m. ET

[Update:you’re able to watch the stream right now at the link below!]

We haven’t reached critical mass with thesummer-longnot-E3-but-close-enoughlive streams, but I can feel it – we’ll be there soon. At some point, likely in June, I’ll have to surrender my body to video games. With E3, reveals were concentrated. Without E3, news never sleeps, and neither will we.

Article image

I’m not complaining! More like mentally preparing myself. There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Having every press conference and one-off stream run its course in about a week in mid-June was tiring, but efficient. Spreading news out across the whole summer gives everyone far more time to breathe, but not if everyone – and it sure feels likeeveryone– shows up to make noise. At that point it’s a marathon, not a sprint. There’s a balance to strike, and I don’t expect us to reach it in 2020.

The ghost at the end of the hallway

With that preface out of the way, let me just say I’m stoked for some events more than others, including the first-of-its-kindWholesome Direct. Inspired by theWholesome Games Twitter community, this live stream is dedicated to video games that exemplify “comfort, compassion, and coziness.”

The Wholesome Direct is airing on May 26 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern right here on YouTube.

Picking up the smiley face post-it off the broken mirror

The event’s organizer, Matthew Taylor, says we can expect to see “exclusive announcements and new footage from more than 50 wholesome games, including hotly anticipated releases likeOobletsandSpiritfarer, plus never-before-seen titles that will be unveiled for the first time.” Other confirmed attendees includeSkateBIRD,Little Witch in the Woods,Garden Story,Chicory, andRainy Season.

Just in the process of researching this showcase, I learned about a new island-building animal game,Snacko, that I want to follow going forward. I’m sure I’ll come out of the stream with plenty more.

John and Molly sitting on the park bench

Close up shot of Marissa Marcel starring in Ambrosio

Kukrushka sitting in a meadow

Lightkeeper pointing his firearm overlapped against the lighthouse background

Overseer looking over the balcony in opening cutscene of Funeralopolis

Edited image of Super Imposter looking through window in No I’m not a Human demo cutscene with thin man and FEMA inside the house

Looking at the ghost of Jackie inside the lighthouse