It’s cool how different people like different things. I think a lot of the appeal is the simulated escape from the dominant flavor of soulless daily corporate drudgery, to something that feels more grounded and community based. Of course it’s just a shallow simulation but escapism is a huge part of gaming in general.

There’s also the quaint pixel art and soundtrack and cozy vibes mixed with some not so cozy aspects like most of the characters having flaws and being imperfect.

My family makes fun of me (lightheartedly) when we play multiplayer because I pretty much just fish, forage, and chill. That’s my escape fantasy, I don’t need to be maximizing profits and getting the biggest house. That’s another nice thing about the game, you can play your own way at your own pace without setting off some lose condition.

All that said, of course not everyone will like the game. Humanity is awesome in its diversity, take it easy out there pard