It flows quietly at the bottom of your screen, without noise, without alerts, without notifications. On February 19, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. GMT, Steam released a new free demo that could well transform your office into a digital nature corner. Its name: Cozywood Creek, an independent game that installs directly at the bottom of your PC screen while you work.
Available now, this experience is part of the rising wave of so-called “idler” games, these titles which evolve almost alone, in the background, without requiring constant attention. After the success of Rusty’s Retirement and the arrival of experiences like My Little Life or Spirit City: Lofi Sessions, Cozywood Creek pushes the concept of discreet play even further.
Cozywood Creek, the Steam game that installs at the bottom of your screen
The principle is simple: while you work, study or browse on your PC, a small river constantly flows at the bottom of your screen. It always remains present, without requiring intervention. It simply accompanies your session.
Developer Silver Bullet describes this river as “a comforting companion.” The idea is not to distract your attention, but to provide a calming, almost meditative visual presence.
Unlike a classic game that monopolizes the screen, Cozywood Creek occupies a discreet strip. You continue to use your software, browser or professional tools normally.
A new representative of idler games on PC
Idle games are experiencing renewed interest on PC. Rusty’s Retirement made an impression with its farming simulation inspired by Stardew Valley, placed at the bottom of the screen. Other titles followed the same logic.
My Little Life and Spirit City: Lofi Sessions also offer a gentle experience, designed to support concentration with pleasant environments and a lo-fi musical atmosphere.
Cozywood Creek follows in this vein, but takes an even more minimalist approach. Here, it is not a question of actively managing a farm or a city, but of allowing a natural ecosystem to evolve.
Transform the river into a living ecosystem
If the river can function alone, the player still has customization tools. Initially, the landscape remains simple. Gradually, it is possible to develop the banks. Shores can become sandy beaches or driftwood shores. Mossy stones, dense forests and lush undergrowth enrich the decor.
The longer Cozywood Creek runs on your computer, the more the environment develops. Birds perch on the rocks. Frogs settle near the water. Forest animals like elk or foxes eventually appear. The experience gives the impression of observing the birth and evolution of a small digital ecosystem, alongside your daily tasks.
A free demo already available on Steam
The full version of Cozywood Creek will be released later in 2026. In the meantime, Steam is offering a free demo right now. This trial version allows you to test certain features without offering full and unlimited access. It serves as an introduction to the concept and the customization possibilities.
There remains a practical question: is this really compatible with a working day? The peaceful atmosphere and gentle lapping of the water can promote concentration for some. Others might see it as a subtle distraction. One thing is certain: the free demo of Cozywood Creek is available immediately on Steam for all PC gamers curious to add a little nature to their screen.