Stardew Valley PS4 PlayStation

Stardew Valley, the indie, agrarian economy simulator from developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, is at risk of becoming some kind of self-perpetuating money monster. Never mind the news that, across all platforms, the fiendishly addictive game has moved over 41 million copies (more than The Last of Us franchise, including all subsequent remakes/remasters and DLC); consider that 11 million were sold in just the past 10 months alone.

In February 2024, we brought you word that the title had passed the 30 million mark, a historic success by nearly any measure, let alone largely the labour of just one guy. Barone wore many hats, the sole designer, programmer, animator, artist, composer, and writer, reputedly working ten hours a day, seven days a week, for four-and-a-half years straight. During this time, Barone lived with his parents and later his girlfriend, who worked two jobs to support this shared dream (Barone also worked part-time during this period as a cinema usher).

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Stardew Valley was eventually released in 2016, but whatever deal Barone struck with eldritch powers, the price asked in return, it seems, was that he must work on the game forever. It remains the ultimate indie success story, but for every Barone, many more developers never see their dream realised, let alone turn a profit. A long-awaited update arrived in November and is perhaps partially responsible for this ongoing success. It's also just a really, really great game, perfect for playing house with a partner, friend, or solo.

Why do we, as gamers, continue to yearn for Stardew Valley? Has anything else even come close in the farm simulation space? Patiently reap what you sow in the comments below.

[source psu.com]