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 really like it.”
The assertion comes as followers put together for a crossover occasion between Stardew Valley and Infinity Nikki, which works reside on September 1. Though we nonetheless do not actually perceive what it will contain, precisely, there are already some surprisingly blended reactions coming from the neighborhood, with some gamers upset in regards to 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 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.”
Apparently, Infinity Nikki responded on to Barone from its official X/Twitter account.
“We actually recognize you sharing your emotions on this. Any unintended stress was the very last thing we wished. It was our method of claiming thanks — a free love letter to Stardew Valley from our workforce and for the neighborhood,” the message stated.
“Engaged on it felt like we have been all tending a bit 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 every single day.”
To be honest, it feels as if the fallout from the Stardew Valley collab is only 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, equivalent to retconning Infinity Nikki’s story, and ramping up the time and money investments required to gather full outfits.
It is not 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 wish to simply be the Stardew Valley man,” explaining that was why he is presently engaged on Haunted Chocolatier. We should not anticipate a launch date anytime quickly, although — there’s “nonetheless lots to be accomplished,” Barone not too long ago admitted, notably as he feels it is “received 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.