Stardew Valley developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has revealed he does 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 love it.”
The assertion comes as followers put together for a crossover occasion between Stardew Valley and Infinity Nikki, which matches stay on September 1. Though we nonetheless do not actually perceive what this can contain, precisely, there are already some surprisingly combined 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 couple of 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 performed 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 love 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 wished. It was our manner of claiming thanks — a free love letter to Stardew Valley from our group and for the neighborhood,” the message mentioned.
“Engaged on it felt like we had been all tending somewhat farm collectively. The care and element you pour into your world is strictly why we need to make cozy video games too. We’re nonetheless studying from you every single day.”
To be truthful, it feels as if the fallout from the Stardew Valley collab is only a matter of dangerous timing right here. The Infinity Nikki neighborhood has been sad ever since replace 1.5 added some controversial modifications to the sport, equivalent to retconning Infinity Nikki’s story, and ramping up the time and cash investments required to gather full outfits.
It isn’t that Barone does this all that usually, both. Stardew Valley has solely ever labored with a handful of different video games, equivalent to Balatro and Terraria.
Again in Could, Barone admitted that he “did not need to simply be the Stardew Valley man,” explaining that was why he is at present engaged on Haunted Chocolatier. We should not count on a launch date anytime quickly, although — there’s “nonetheless quite a bit to be performed,” Barone not too long ago admitted, significantly as he feels it is “acquired 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 among 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.