Summary

  • Developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone vows to never charge for Stardew Valley updates or DLC. Fans rejoice at his commitment to free content.
  • ConcernedApe prioritizes player satisfaction over profits, promising to keep all Stardew Valley updates free of charge.
  • The success of Stardew Valley is attributed to its free updates and community engagement, setting it apart in the video game industry.

As console and mobile players await the launch of Stardew Valley Update 1.6, developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has officially stated that he will never charge money for any updates or DLC. The Stardew Valley creator previously commented on his future plans for the life-sim farming game following Update 1.6, and this latest statement has made it clear that he does not intend to charge for any upcoming additions.

Paid DLC has been a key point of discussion in the video game industry for years now, with many feeling that titles with an overwhelming focus on microtransactions and monetization may not always offer the best user experience. While the monetization of video games is understandable from a developer and publisher perspective, ConcernedApe has shocked many with his sentiment towards charging for extra content.

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Stardew Valley: Things You Have To Do Your First Year

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In response to a recent announcement on Twitter, ConcernedApe made an official statement reassuring fans that he has no intention of ever charging for Stardew Valley updates or DLC. He had just informed fans that he is still hard at work on finishing Stardew Valley Update 1.6 for mobile and console. A fan voiced that they are happy to continue waiting, so long as the updates remain free. ConcernedApe responded to the comment, stating that he "will never charge money for a DLC or update" and even told fans to take a screenshot of the statement and use it to "shame" him, should he ever "violate this oath." To date, every Stardew Valley patch has been free to download for users across platforms, including the massive Update 1.6. Fans immediately celebrated the declaration, with many noting their gratefulness for ConcernedApe's priority of player satisfaction over game profits.

Stardew Valley Creator Will Never Charge for Updates or DLC

As hundreds of AAA and indie video games are released every year, Stardew Valley has managed to consistently stand out. The adorably pixelated farming game has amassed an impressive player base and boasts an active and dedicated community eight years after its initial launch. Free updates have no doubt contributed greatly to the success of Stardew Valley, and ConceredApe's interactions with the game's fans continue to help the title achieve new milestones. With Update 1.6 already available on PC and soon to launch on console and mobile, the Stardew Valley community has plenty of fun free content to enjoy.

Audiences have long debated the implementation of upcharging for additional content in video games, with the topic gaining more traction in the era of online gaming. While ConcernedApe's sentiment towards charging for updates and DLC may come as a shock to many, Stardew Valley players remain appreciative of a video game developer focusing on the fans above all else.

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Stardew Valley
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Released
February 26, 2016
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
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You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!

Developer(s)
ConcernedApe
Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer, Online Multiplayer
Platform(s)
PC, Xbox One, Android, iOS, PS4, Switch
Genre(s)
RPG, Simulation