It's easy enough to describe any cozy game with an anime influence by comparing it to Studio Ghibli, but it's rarely a particularly apt descriptor. Occasionally, however, something truly fits the bill, and one new game transforms the city-builder concept popularized by SimCity into something more in line with Ghibli's philosophy.
In this case, the cartoon style is just the start, laying the foundation for a game that seems committed to the vibe across the board. On top of a gentle watercolor look, the real magic lies in a reverence for nature, deliberate pace, and in the incorporation of literal magic itself.
Spiritstead, recently featured in the Wholesome Direct 2026 showcase, describes itself on Steam as "A city builder set in a world of magic." Unlike a lot of cozy games, however, the magic doesn't come in the form of a witch theme or high fantasy hijinks. It's all a bit more low-key, with "quirky yet helpful spirits" that can add an extra spark of life to the village.
If you're looking for some specific proof of Studio Ghibli inspiration, a scarecrow that appears in Spiritstead looks like a direct homage, wearing the tattered suit and hat of...
