When you think about video games, a few images often come to mind.
There's the exciting, beat-the-clock, don't slip on a banana peel (!) kind of game.
And the "oh boy, this is violent and intense and I can't look away (!)" kind of game.
The image of a plant does not usually make the cut.
And that's why the video game "Viridi" might have serious gamers scratching their heads. But it'll have others in their happy place.
It's not because of the game's violent nature or real-life graphics. It's not because of its can't-look-away intensity either. It doesn't have any of that to offer.
It's because it's the most chilled-out and peaceful game I've ever seen. And that's exactly what it's designed to be. It's kind of like the Tamagotchi of 2015.
"Viridi" uses plants to make you feel less stressed and more relaxed.
It's like your average video game ... on opposite day. The entire premise is for you to tend a pot of succulents that grow in real time.
"Viridi is a safe haven, a place you can return to for a moment of peace and quiet whenever you need it," said its developer, Ice Water Games.
FastCo Design explains:
You pick a pot, and a plant, spraying it with water and tending it over the course of a week, until it grows to fruition.
It's a gentle and beautiful game meant to be there when you need to take a break in your day. You can leave it open in the background of your computer all day and enjoy its calming, ambient soundtrack while you do your thing.
And since it's modeled after real succulents, it's all about being patient. You wouldn't want to overwater!
Getting up and moving around mixed with a game like "Viridi" might just be the calming distraction you need in your day.
The stress of meeting goals, earning money, and completing obligations can really take its toll on the mind and body. To get everything done, it's easy to convince ourselves that we don't really need to take breaks in our day — but we most definitely should.
Social scientists have even concluded that working for 52 consecutive minutes followed by a 17-minute break can boost productivity. Seriously! Take breaks.
We are ridiculously stressed-out humans. These little virtual plants help us slow down and breathe. And as we tend to our needs, we'll keep growing.
So whether you play a video game to grow succulents or grow succulents in real life (or both!), any reminder to relax and take a deep breath once in awhile is a benefit to your life.
Watch the teaser video and find out how to download "Viridi" here.