Farming-sim Stardew Valley has established itself as a well-loved fixture in the cozy games genre. Since Stardew was first released in 2016, it has sold over 30 million copies, and developer ConcernedApe (also known as Eric Barone) has continued to foster engagement among the game’s fans with exciting and expansive updates and new content. The community has even more reason to be excited about ConcernedApe’s approach to game development with his recent comments regarding keeping DLC free.
ConcernedApe Swears to Keep DLC Free
In a recent thread on X, ConcernedApe not only assured fans that he is “working on the mobile port [for Stardew] every day,” but also stated that “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.” In a follow-up reply, he elaborated with “btw, I’m not criticizing devs who do charge for DLC. everyone’s circumstances are different. this is just my own approach and not to be taken as a critique of anyone else.” ConcernedApe’s “oath” has amassed over 285,000 views since posting.
Gaming Fans React and Rejoice
https://://gty.im/631613848
Stardew Valley fans commended ConcernedApe for his decision. X User @JH_Deplorable stated that “This is what makes waiting for the switch update worthwhile, knowing you care more about people having fun in the game than making a fortune off of it shows your character.” Some community members even encouraged the developer to open donations so that they can financially support the creator of Stardew, especially since he has continued to support and update a game that already boasts at least 50 hours of gameplay, with some players even boasting over 1,000 hours of playtime.
Aside from Stardew’s already impressive amount of content, the community has also created tons of mods that can enhance the experience of the game, including the free Stardew Valley Expanded mod that adds new characters, areas, and dialogue to the game. In addition to developing his own updates for the game, ConcernedApe has supported the development of modded content and taken steps to ensure that game updates are compatible with popular mods.
Stardew Valley Models Consumer-Friendly Game Development
With the implementation of DLC and microtransactions on the rise in game development, many frustrated gamers lament the era when purchasing a game came with the peace of mind that you would be paying one time for a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Gaming communities on Reddit have expressed that many games these days seem to be released before they are fully developed, with DLC being offered at a later time — for an additional cost — to “finish” the game.
This approach to game development alienates consumers, causing many to hesitate before pre-ordering titles or buying a game on release day. In the midst of these uncertainties, ConcernedApe’s history of releasing complete and fulfilling games and continuing to support them with free additional content allows players to feel that their time and attention is valued more than just the money they put in the developer’s pockets with the purchase of a game.
What’s Next for ConcernedApe?
Fans of cozy simulation games like Stardew Valley are awaiting the release of ConcernedApe’s next title Haunted Chocolatier, which he posts art and updates about on the game’s blog. This upcoming title maintains Stardew’s charming art style, with ConcernedApe describing the gameplay as “gathering ingredients, making chocolate, and running a chocolate shop.” He also emphasizes that Haunted Chocolatier will feature a “greater focus” on combat than Stardew Valley. One thing is certain: with Haunted Chocolatier being “completely coded (and drawn) from scratch,” fans can look forward to another labor of love from ConcernedApe.
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