Stardew Valley developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has revealed he would not ask for any compensation when his fan-favorite farm sim collabs with different franchises, saying he solely does them as a result of “[he] was a fan of the opposite video games, or as a result of [he] genuinely thought gamers would really like it.”
The assertion comes as followers put together for a crossover occasion between Stardew Valley and Infinity Nikki, which fits dwell on September 1. Though we nonetheless do not actually perceive what this may contain, precisely, there are already some surprisingly blended reactions coming from the neighborhood, with some gamers upset concerning the timing, suggesting it is an all-too-convenient distraction from the current controversy round leakers.
“There have been a few collaborations between Stardew Valley and different video games over time,” Barone posted on X/Twitter yesterday. “To be clear, I by no means obtain any cash from these collabs. I’ve solely accomplished them as a result of I used to be a fan of the opposite video games, or as a result of I genuinely thought the gamers would really like it.”
Curiously, Infinity Nikki responded on to Barone from its official X/Twitter account.
“We actually respect you sharing your emotions on this. Any unintended stress was the very last thing we needed. It was our means of claiming thanks — a free love letter to Stardew Valley from our staff and for the neighborhood,” the message said.
“Engaged on it felt like we have been all tending a little farm collectively. The care and element you pour into your world is precisely why we wish to make cozy video games too. We’re nonetheless studying from you daily.”
To be honest, it feels as if the fallout from the Stardew Valley collab is simply a matter of unhealthy timing right here. The Infinity Nikki neighborhood has been sad ever since replace 1.5 added some controversial adjustments to the sport, similar to retconning Infinity Nikki’s story, and ramping up the time and cash investments required to gather full outfits.
It’s not that Barone does this all that usually, both. Stardew Valley has solely ever labored with a handful of different video games, similar to Balatro and Terraria.
Again in Could, Barone admitted that he “did not wish to simply be the Stardew Valley man,” explaining that was why he is at the moment engaged on Haunted Chocolatier. We should not count on a launch date anytime quickly, although — there’s “nonetheless a lot to be accomplished,” Barone not too long ago admitted, notably as he feels it is “obtained to be higher” than Stardew Valley.
Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, in addition to a critic, columnist, and guide with 15+ years expertise working with a few of the world’s largest gaming websites and publications. She’s additionally a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually Excessive Chaos. Discover her at BlueSky.