The nomination window for the 2025 Steam Awards is officially open, and developer Ivy Road is calling on its community to rally behind Wanderstop. The studio is specifically targeting the "Sit Back & Relax" category, asking players to recognize the game's unique blend of tea-shop management and narrative introspection.
Since its release in March, Wanderstop has sparked plenty of conversation about what it means to be a "cozy" game. While the core loop involves managing a tea shop, mixing ingredients, and serving patrons, the narrative framing—centering on a fallen fighter named Alta who resists the very peace she's trying to cultivate—adds a layer of tension rarely seen in the genre.
A Fitting Category?
The "Sit Back & Relax" category is usually reserved for titles that serve as an antidote to stress. Nominating Wanderstop here feels like a deliberate nod to the game's central conflict. Mechanically, the game offers the soothing repetition of tea blending and shop cleaning that defines the genre. However, the story is fundamentally about the effort required to relax when you aren't wired for it.
If you enjoyed Alta's journey and want to support the team at Ivy Road, you can head over to the Steam store page to cast your nomination. The Steam Awards are entirely community-driven, meaning only player votes determine the finalists and eventual winners.