Stardew Valley's creator, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has made a heartfelt commitment to his fans: all future updates and DLC will remain free. This article explores Barone's pledge and its significance to the Stardew Valley community.
Stardew Valley's Ongoing Commitment to Free Content
Barone's Unwavering Promise
In a recent Twitter (now X) exchange, Eric Barone reaffirmed his dedication to providing free updates and DLC for Stardew Valley. While addressing the ongoing development of ports and a new PC update, he acknowledged the extended timeframe and reassured fans of his continued daily work on the mobile port. He promised to share meaningful updates, such as release dates, when available.
A fan's comment about the community's acceptance of continued free content prompted Barone's powerful response: "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." This statement solidified his commitment to providing ongoing value to players without additional cost.
Stardew Valley, released in 2016, is a beloved farming RPG. Barone's consistent updates have significantly enhanced the game, introducing new features and improving gameplay. The recent 1.6.9 update exemplifies this dedication, adding three new festivals, multiple pet options, expanded home renovations, new outfits, late-game content, and numerous quality-of-life improvements.
Barone's commitment might extend beyond Stardew Valley to his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier. However, details about this new project remain scarce.
Barone's actions demonstrate a remarkable level of respect and appreciation for his player base. His bold declaration, including the challenge to "Screencap this and shame me if I ever violate this oath," underscores his dedication to providing a continuously enriching experience for Stardew Valley players at no extra cost, a testament to his commitment even seven years after the game's initial release.