Bundle of Joy

Bundle of Joy

Released Mar 2025

Bundle of Joy is a lighthearted, story-rich, minigame romp about becoming a parent during the pandemic. Complete all your child-rearing tasks, manage your stress, find time to rest, survive the day, wake up, and do it all over again. It won't be perfect, but that's ok. You're doing your best.

96% positive · 26 reviews
Pending
Released · Awaiting evaluation
Pending
Released · Awaiting evaluation

Where to buy

Steam $6.99
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Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Essay Games
Achievements
23
Platform
Windows, macOS
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player

About this game

Bundle of Joy is a short minigame romp with contemplative narrative vignettes about parenthood, overcoming self-doubt, and self-care. Based on studio lead Nicholas O'Brien's personal experience, Bundle of Joy is an intimate yet playful look at the struggles of facing the unknown and doing your best even when you think that isn't enough.

Set in the Spring of 2020, you play as a new father facing a series of child-rearing challenges while managing your ever-increasing stress. Change a diaper, clip baby's nails, clean up the highchair.

You gain stress as you tackle each task and depending on your "parenting skill" you might end up stressing out. But don't worry, that's part of the parenting process! Failing minigames due to stress doesn't equate to losing. It's all part of the experience.

As your day progresses, you'll get some downtime to reconnect with yourself and your partner. These moments allow you to recoup your stress as well as explore feelings of doubt, guilt, isolation, and obligation. Heavy, right?

  • Play as a new Dad (even if that's not your thing) managing ever-increasing stress!

  • Complete short & sweet child-rearing minigames from over 15 possible challenges!

  • Quirky Animations of squirmy butts and stuffy noses!

  • Feel all the feels in the delicately crafted narrative based on personal experience!

  • Survive for 5 chaotic days and journal your progress!

  • Avoid reaching a BREAKING POINT and reap stress-relieving rewards!

  • Groan with delight when each day starts with a randomly assigned condition!

  • Take Care of Baby. Take Care of yourself!

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