Today marks the one-year anniversary of Stardew Valley arriving on Nintendo Switch. For many, this year will have likely flown by thanks to the addictive nature of the game, but if you can take your eyes off your beautiful farm for just a second, you're in for a nice surprise from the developer behind it all.
Eric Barone - also known as ConcernedApe - has shared a small message to fans via the Nintendo Switch's news section (North American users can check it out for themselves by following the 'Indie' channel). He begins by reflecting on the journey the game has undertaken, right from the very beginning.
"Six years ago, I began working on a simple farming game as a project to improve my programming skills. Over time, the scope of the project grew and grew until it had become something bigger than I ever imagined... Though I was proud of what I had created, I never dreamed the game would become so popular and make so many people happy. Having grown up as a huge Nintendo fan, seeing my game on the Nintendo Switch feels surreal but also brings me a lot of joy."
He goes on to talk about the game's success and how - because of that success - he had the opportunity to meet Yashuhiro Wada, the creator of the early Harvest Moon games from which Stardew Valley is heavily inspired. It's clear that ConcernedApe has a deep passion for the game and Nintendo as a platform, and is thankful for everything that has happened because of the game's arrival on Switch. His message concludes with a nod to the future.
"I'm still very excited about Stardew Valley and what its future holds. With the upcoming multiplayer update there is so much life left in the valley... and Nintendo Switch is truly a perfect home for the game."
Have you enjoyed Stardew Valley on Switch? Is there anything you'd like to say back to its creator? You never know, he may be reading!
Comments 29
Where's the physical? The other formats have one.
I still have not played this though I did by it on PC. I've thought about picking it up on Switch but I know it's going to be a time sink and I have so many other games to play. Other than that, the game has been wildly successful on the Switch as it's charting again in the top 30.
It sold over 1 million on switch. Amazing numbers
I had been a big fan of Harvest Mom back in the day, especially Friends of Mineral Town on the GBA. For me that is where the series peaked, and everything after just felt like there was something missing. I still can put it to words, but I can feel whatever it was that I couldn't find in post FOMT Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons games is alive and well in Started Valley. It makes sense too. In a Q&A ConcernedApe said that his favorite Harvest Moon game was Back to Nature, the PS1 title that FOMT was based on. When I first played Stardew Valley on PC the only thing that was missing was the portability if the GBA. As soon as the Switch version was available it was a no brainier and completely worth double dipping on. If you see this ConcernedApe, thank you for lovingly crafting the successor to FOMT I always wanted.
I was certain I was going to dislike "Stardew Valley" before I started playing it, but now that I am 70+ hours in, obviously that isn't the case!
Can someone tell me if there'll be any added content with the multiplayer update? If not, can I use my existing save to play online when the update launches?
Edit: Forgot to say, this is an amazing game. I'd recommend to anyone who's on the fence.
@MattFox The PC version did get new content with the multiplayer update. On the Stardew Valley blog (i don't know if I can post links but you can Google it) the top post tells you exactly what changed + pictures of it.
I read a book by Jason Schreier (a Kotaku news editor) that talks about the development struggles of some game development studios. Eric Barone spent over 4 years of long days working on Stardew Valley without taking a break. It's nice to see just how well the game has done for him as he really deserves it. I haven't played Stardew, though, I just can't decide if it's for me.
@krvstkvlt Thanks, man! I'll stop playing so I'll start a new farm once the update rolls out( I want to have a fresh experience with all the added content )
Stardew Valley is a truly unique and charming experience. Sometimes I think of sequels that take place somewhere else, I would love that.
Still waiting for physical. I'll gladly spend money to get this. I play it on and off with my busy life schedule.
Stardew Valley is one of the many superb games on the console.
I haven't bought it yet but I definitely will one of these days. I know I will love it, I am just waiting for a time when I can afford the attention sink I know it will be haha.
This is the only game i prefer to play in handheld mode, Switch version is my favorite!
This game is still as addictive as it was when it first came out
They need to hurry up, me and my gf want to farm together already!
100+ hours should be all I need to say in response to "Did you enjoy Stardew Valley?"
Been on the fence for getting this game, I guess I'll get it once the multiplayer update comes out
Such a brilliant game. I hope the developer made a lot of money out of this, he deserves it.
My most played and most enjoyed game on Switch so far. Love it.
I bought Stardew because of all the praise it was getting but I've just never been able to get into it. I was hoping it would get a local multiplayer mode so I could try playing it with my wife.
can we have a physical copy please
This is yet another game I'll have to start again, thanks to Nintendo. How they lost all my data when they replaced the battery in my Switch I don't know, but I'm furious atm.
I love this on PC, I will probably bite when the multiplayer comes out for switch as it's a perfect game for handheld.
I was so hyped for this game but once I started playing it, just couldn’t get into it. I’ll take another go at it at some point though.
i cant say enough good things about stardew. its just such a positive vibe kinda game. a very nice change of pace compared to everything else that's out there. if u haven't gotten it cuz its different, ur doing urself a disservice
I've been playing this game from time-to-time and it is really amazing. Unless you don't like Life-Simulator games, I highly recommend picking this game up, it doesn't just offer a sense of progression but the small world that it's crafted in feels very alive and natural. Truly a fantastic game that fits in perfectly with the Nintendo Switch's Portability.
I don't know if it exists, but I recommend having a run-auto feature (similar to harvest moon, press to toggle or hold a button to get character to continuously run in direction they're facing until button is depressed or untoggled).
There's a lot of ground to cover in this game, having this feature would ease up on the hands having to hold the joystick in position all the time. I know for Breath of the Wild all the running around wore on my thumb after awhile. I've haven't been motivated to get into this game atm cause I know it doesn't have the feature, at least when I tried it back on Steam awhile back.
Good on them for having a good sales. A co-worker of mine who isn't too big on gaming, got this game and liked it a lot
I loved Stardew Valley but I'm not sure if multiplayer will pull me back into playing it again. If it has a split-screen option than I will play it with my kids. I have no interest in playing with others online.
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