Whisper of the House is a cosy life-sim and decorating game developed and published by GD Studio, released on 27 August 2025 exclusively for PC (Windows and macOS) via Steam. At launch, it’s priced at £12.79 GBP and $14.99 USD,
You step into the role of a volunteer housekeeper helping charming, quirky townsfolk settle into their new homes. The game blends relaxing home-design, light exploration, and a sprinkle of mystery—ideal for fans of Animal Crossing, Unpacking, and The Sims.
A Cosy Town with Secrets Beneath the Surface
There is a story in Whisper of the House, but it’s tricky to pin down. In many ways, it feels like a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it affair. On the surface, you’re simply a volunteer helping new residents settle in, decorating their dream homes, opening businesses, and tidying up the streets.
But as you roam around town, you start to notice little oddities. The museum has a holographic counter that ticks down as you complete projects, and scattered glitches hide secrets that reveal themselves when clicked. There’s definitely something larger at play beneath all the cosy surface, and it’s intriguing enough to keep you poking around between jobs.
Simple Decorating That’s Surprisingly Addictive
Over the last year I’ve been leaning more into cosy games. Maybe it’s an age thing, but something low-maintenance that helps me switch off from the 9–5 is becoming more appealing. Whisper of the House seemed like it might scratch that itch, and while I’d seen bits of it online, I went in not really knowing what to expect, other than losing hours to this little gem.
You play as the town’s new housekeeper, taking on jobs from the many quirky residents. One might be a gamer girl with a Shiba Inu, another a bakery owner dabbling in the occult. Jobs come through the post, and once you’ve picked one up, you walk over to their home. Along the way you’re free to explore, pet cats, pick up rubbish, or stumble across odd little glitches. It’s surprisingly satisfying, like peeking into a living terrarium where the world ticks along without you.
On the job, you’re joined by a small robot companion who dispenses the furniture and items your clients need. You place each object one at a time, and the controls are smart enough to know whether you want it on a shelf, under a table, or elsewhere. If things get fiddly, a quick tap of tab switches layers for easier placement. The robot can sometimes get in the way, but thankfully you can just pick him up and move him.
The first job, for Luna, gives you total freedom to decorate however you like, which made me think that was all there was to it, just endless free decorating. But soon, jobs start adding more structure. Some residents want specific layouts, while others give you creative freedom within certain limits. Later, you’ll be decorating bigger spaces, unlocking new furniture through challenges, and shopping for items to expand your options.
It’s not deep, but that’s the charm. The loop is simple, satisfying, and perfect for unwinding after a long day. A screenshot mode adds a personal touch too, after each task, you snap a picture for your scrapbook, turning your work into little memories.
Like Peering into a Living Terrarium
The game is utterly dripping with cuteness. The art style is soft and rounded, with so much variation it’s almost staggering.
Whisper of the House always gives you enough information on screen, so even if you skim past dialogue, you’ll usually know what to do next. Wandering around the overworld feels like peering into a terrarium, watching the little world tick along without you, and it’s genuinely relaxing.
The animations add to that cosy vibe. Townsfolk wander about, you can sweep up the streets, or pause to pet a cat. Every little action comes with a charming, quirky animation, and I’ve often found myself just being passive, soaking it all in.
Every Click, Clunk, and Rubber Duck Quack
The soundtrack in Whisper of the House matches the cosy feeling perfectly. Each home you visit has its own unique little track that plays while you decorate: take Luna’s home, for example: the music there is upbeat, electronic, and playful. Then you’ve got the musical store, where melodies loop brightly in the background and every instrument in the room chimes in with notes when you interact with them. It’s a lovely touch.
The sound design is just as satisfying. Every click has weight, objects make a nice clunk when picked up, and menus give off gentle audio cues when highlighted. A lot of the furniture and props are interactable too. Fridges open and close, animals are there to be petted, and yes, even rubber ducks can be squeaked.
It’s a soundscape that invites you to linger, calm enough for a chill session, clear enough that every interaction still feels satisfying.
A Cosy Game with Just Enough Mystery
Whisper of the House is the kind of game that quietly wins you over, on the surface it’s all cosy decorating, quirky residents, and a town full of charm. But scratch beneath that and there are little mysteries to uncover too, from odd glitches to the countdown ticking away at the museum. It’s not front and centre, but it adds just enough intrigue to keep you curious.
The simple decorating loop, the cheerful art style, and the relaxing soundtrack make this a perfect wind-down game. It’s easy to slip into, lose track of time, and come away feeling lighter. That said, it won’t be for everyone. If you want something fast-paced or mechanically deep, you’ll likely find it a bit shallow.
For players looking for a wholesome, low-stress experience with a touch of mystery sprinkled in, this is a real gem.
8/10
Come for the decorating, stay for the cats and rubber ducks