Swapping The Witcher 3 for a Dressmaking Shop Paid Off

Most of the time, when this writer sits down to play, it's something dark and mature: Call of Duty, Cyberpunk 2077, or a sprawling open-world adventure. Recently, though, they shelved their first proper run through The Witcher 3 almost immediately in favor of Dressmaker, a game about running a fashion shop, and they don't seem to regret it.

What hooked them is how much each decision matters. A dress is built from choices about color, cut, and fabric, and every one of those choices carries through to the final garment. Clients come with requests, and you're expected to meet them professionally and respectfully. That combination of craft and customer service gives the game a rhythm that feels rewarding, and seeing a finished piece come together is a genuine payoff, not just a checkbox.

The writer describes themselves as a creative person, and that's the real appeal. Games with combat often hold their attention because they let them customize the experience, and Dressmaker moves that idea to the center without the violence. Nothing about the process is locked to a formula. You can theme your shop around characters from other video games, or focus on a palette of colors you pick yourself, so each dress can feel distinct from the last.

The writer also notes that cozy games like Stardew Valley and Dreamlight Valley usually scratch that same itch, and Dressmaker does too, even though it plays differently.

For anyone who wants to try it, Fanatical is currently discounting the game. Entering the code FANATICAL15 at checkout brings the price down to $12.74 or £11.56, a 15 percent saving that the writer says is cheaper than the price on Steam.

The piece ends on a light note: the writer is off to sew a dress for Geralt, as a small apology for ignoring him.