MakeRoom Review
MakeRoom is a delightful sandbox-style building game developed by solo creator Kenney and published by Wholesome Games Presents, released on August 7, 2025, for PC and Linux. If you enjoy cozy design titles and especially if you have a passion for creating, MakeRoom is built with you in mind. Every feature, from the polished and inviting aesthetic to the robust customization tools, is crafted for players who love expressing themselves by designing and decorating digital spaces.
It is seriously impressive that one person assembled this experience. The game features over 1,000 unique objects, custom furniture creation, interactive details, and a strong community-sharing system. This level of dedication and creative vision is truly evident in every detail.
The visual direction strikes a balance between vibrancy and simplicity, letting your imagination take center stage. Objects look charming and functional, so it is a pleasure to mix, match, recolor, and experiment until your space feels perfect. There is a satisfying loop to arranging layouts, adding cozy touches, and building themed rooms, such as snug gamer dens (like I did) or whimsical art studios. The soundtrack and ambient effects reinforce the laid-back, creative energy.
The request-based campaign gently guides you with goals such as furnishing a “Vampires Welcome” lair or a “Cats Paradise” haven. These requests inspire you to try new styles and reward you with even more decor and ideas.
For designers at heart, the custom furniture tool is a highlight. If you cannot find just the right piece, you can build your own from scratch. The tools are intuitive but allow for plenty of depth, and you control your play sessions with quick bursts of decorating or long, involved builds depending on your mood.
Replayability is the main limitation. After unlocking most of the catalogue, some players might find less incentive to keep building. However, sharing and discovering creations through the Steam Workshop adds extra reasons to return.
A few tips as you start:
- Use construction tools to adjust and partition your space for unique layouts.
- Try the “garden” diorama for a blank canvas.
- Experiment with interactive items like openable cabinets, fillable bathtubs, and toggleable lights to add depth and charm.
All things considered, MakeRoom scores a 7.5 out of 10 for me. It is a heartfelt, cozy, and impressive creative playground, especially remarkable for a solo developer, and a fantastic pick for anyone who loves to design at their own pace. I recommend you try it for yourself and let me know what you build.
ABOUT KENNEY
Kenney is a solo game developer living and working in the Netherlands. He has been creating games (and game assets!) for over a decade, released for free into the public domain and used in thousands of games by students, indie developers, game engines, and AAA studios worldwide. Kenney's next game is MakeRoom, a cozy interior design sandbox. For more information, please visit https://kenney.nl/.
ABOUT WHOLESOME GAMES
Wholesome Games was founded in 2019 as a curator for artistic, uplifting, and emotionally resonant games. It has since grown into a global platform, including the digital showcase Wholesome Direct, which has reached more than 10 million viewers. In 2023, the team began supporting indie titles like Is This Seat Taken?, Minami Lane, and MakeRoom through the Wholesome Games Presents publishing label. For more information, visit www.wholesomegames.com.