Something to look forward to: Major game developers and publishers are now routinely milking their audience with preorders, special editions, exclusives, and additional content, all of which cost more money. But Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, who created one of the greatest video games of all time, has a completely different perspective on the matter.
Since its initial release in 2016, Stardew Valley has sold over 30 million copies with 19 million units on PC alone. The farming simulator is considered one of the best games ever made and one of the PC titles every gamer should own. Eric Barone spent five years developing Stardew Valley by himself, and he is now willing to keep updating the game without asking for more money from owners.
Barone expressed his perspective on how developers should treat gamers in a recent post on X/Twitter. ConcernedApe is currently working on the console and mobile ports and the next PC update for Stardew Valley, which are taking "every minute" of his time. He is personally working on the mobile port every day, receiving some help from third-party developers for the console versions.
An X user hoped that everything that's been added to Stardew Valley is completely free, and ConcernedApe confirmed that this will be the case. Barone swore on the honor of his family name to never charge money for a DLC or update in the future. "For as long as I live," the developer stated. He also asked people to screencap his post and shame him in the future, should he ever decided to backtrack on his oath.
I swear on the honor of my family name, i will never charge money for a DLC or update for as long as I live. Screencap this and shame me if I ever violate this oath
– ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) July 22, 2024
After its original release, Stardew Valley was updated many times with plenty of additional content for wannabe digital farmers to explore, build, and grow. The latest 1.6 update added new festivals, items, crafting recipes, dialogue, new farms, and more. Barone also warned modders about the significant, code-breaking changes introduced with the release, although things went smoother than expected in the end.
ConcernedApe's vow never to ask for money for additional Stardew Valley content could also apply to his next creations. The developer is working on Haunted Chocolatier, a new simulation focused on a candy shop of sorts with action-RPG elements. The game still has no release date, and Barone will certainly take his sweet time to properly mix and cook everything.