A peaceful gardening game on Roblox, created by a 16-year-old in just a few days, has become an unexpected viral hit this summer — offering players a calming escape from reality or a way to beat summer boredom.
Called Grow a Garden, the game has broken records for the highest number of concurrent players on any game platform, outperforming massive, multi-million dollar productions. Unlike typical games that revolve around combat or racing, this one focuses entirely on cultivating plants — no fighting required. Even if you forget to water your crops, your virtual vegetables still grow.
The gameplay is simple and relaxing: players grow and harvest crops, care for animals, and can trade — or even steal — from other gardens. The design resembles Minecraft, with tranquil classical music like Mozart's Rondo Alla Turca playing in the background. The game's laid-back style has made it hugely popular, reinforcing Roblox's status as a cultural hub for younger audiences.
“This game is just chill — that’s the word I hear the most,” said Betsy Bozdech, editorial director at Common Sense Media. “It has an Animal Crossing feel. You can check in, plant seeds, and do your own thing. My 11-year-old plays it and loves that there's no pressure or major goal.”
The game’s meteoric rise coincided with the announcement that Grand Theft Auto 6 would be delayed until next year. Around that time in late June, Grow a Garden hit 21.6 million concurrent players, surpassing Fortnite’s record of 15.2 million. Market analysts say the game is boosting Roblox’s revenue and could lead to stronger-than-expected quarterly earnings.
It's unclear whether GTA fans are turning to gardening in the meantime, but the game's success has reignited long-standing debates over what defines a “real” gamer. Cozy games like Candy Crush, Animal Crossing, and now Grow a Garden are often dismissed by the gaming elite, who favor action-packed titles like Call of Duty or GTA.
Janzen Madsen, CEO of Splitting Point Studios, which acquired the game, believes the industry is underestimating this trend. “People think Roblox is immature or weird, but I think this is what players will want in five years,” he said. “And if traditional developers don’t catch on, they’ll be left behind.”
To begin playing, users create a Roblox account and are given a starter plot, some in-game currency called “sheckles,” and a basic seed. Players can grow crops, sell them, and use the money to expand their gardens with new seeds, animals, or tools. While the game can be played for free, spending real money speeds up progress.
Popular YouTuber Leah Ashe (5.3 million subscribers) says the game's appeal lies in collecting rare items. “I’m a completionist — I want everything,” she said. “What’s fun is how the global seed shop refreshes every five minutes, so everyone’s looking out for rare seeds together. It really brings people together.”
For Roblox, which has faced criticism over child safety concerns, the success of Grow a Garden — along with new safety features like chat filters and privacy tools — has offered a much-needed boost. The game has also fostered a helpful community, with experienced players gifting items and alerting newcomers when rare seeds are in stock.
Bozdech added that, with the right parental oversight, Roblox can be a creative and safe platform. “Games like Grow a Garden could even be a great way for parents and kids to play together,” she said.
And the appeal may not be limited to kids.
“It’s striking a chord,” Bozdech concluded. “We all need a little escape right now — and this game provides just that.”