Gaming’s new coming-of-age genre embraces ‘millennial cringe’

Millennial nostalgia games are becoming a noticeable micro-trend, focusing on the specific experiences of millennials. These games go beyond just retro aesthetics, aiming for semi-autobiographical narratives. Examples include games set in the 2000s, like Despelote and Consume Me, showcasing childhood and teenage experiences. The author recently played Perfect Tides, a point-and-click adventure centered on a college student. Perfect Tides is set in New York in 2003, a time of nostalgic significance for millennials. This era represents a transition before smartphones but during widespread internet use. The internet facilitated connections through forums and instant messaging. It enabled people to share interests and connect over shared cultural references. The protagonist, Mara, is a young writer and college student working in the library. This setting encapsulates the pre-social media college environment and its specific cultural landscape. The game offers a look back at a time before the pervasive fear of online embarrassment.