Bundle of Joy
Release date: Mar 25, 2025
Developers: Essay Games
Publishers: Essay Games
Genres: Indie, Simulation
Categories: Single-player, Steam Achievements, Full controller support, Family Sharing
Supported languages: English

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! 

Press reviews: “touching and heartfelt” The Verge “a quasi-ridiculous yet heartfelt game about early fatherhood” The Guardian “covering more emotional ground in one hour than most blockbusters manage in 50” Lewis Gordon for Vulture