Fireside Feelings is a quietly remarkable indie experience that blurs the line between a game and a therapeutic session. Developed by Team Empreintes and released on June 7, 2025, for PC, this single-player title centers around virtual campfire conversations. Players type personal responses to Spark’s prompts and then read reflections from other individuals who have contributed previously—anonymously, asynchronously, and thoughtfully moderated.
Developer: Team Empreintes
Publisher: The CoLab
Release Date: 7 June 2025
CPU: Intel Core i5 / AMD Equivalent
GPU: Geforce GTX 1060 / AMD Equivalent
RAM: 8 GB
HDD: 1 GB
Review code provided.
Visuals & Atmosphere
The game features a minimalist, hand-drawn art style. Players select an anthropomorphic avatar—such as a fox or bear—with pleasant customization options for colors and speech-bubble animations. The atmospheric sound design—calming music and subtle crackles from the campfire—contributes to the experience’s cozy, contemplative tone. SUPERJUMP reviewer Priya Sridhar aptly described it as “queer fluff and comfort during dark times,” noting it offers a place of “trust” and emotional safety
Gameplay & Mechanics
Unlike live chats, all conversations are asynchronous. You answer prompts like “Do your childhood dreams still echo in who you’ve become?” then wait to receive a carefully vetted reply. The moderation system is robust, combining AI and human review, with customizable trigger warnings—ensuring a judgment-free space. Conversation progress unlocks decorative items and new “campfire settings,” adding a sense of gentle progression.
Post-Launch & Community
Fireside Feelings continues to evolve: on July 18, the first free content update—Lost Messages—rolled out, exploring “unsaid thoughts” and encouraging players to voice what they’ve left unspoken. The team also announced roadmap plans: more topic packs, new settings, and additional game modes. Within two weeks of launch, over 2,000 players participated, with more than 350 new contributions added across six languages.
Final Thoughts
Fireside Feelings is a gentle, introspective gem—part game, part guided journaling, part communal therapy. It won’t appeal to players seeking fast-paced action—but for those craving calm, meaningful reflection and anonymous connection, it’s a rare and meaningful offering. The seamless moderation and soothing upgrades foster a safe, heartwarming environment. If you’re drawn to experiences like Kind Words or Journey, this is a quiet hug in game form—worth its modest price and time investment.
