Stardew Valley's creator, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has made a firm commitment: all future DLC and updates will remain free. This article delves into Barone's pledge and its significance to the dedicated Stardew Valley fanbase.
Stardew Valley's Ongoing Commitment to Free Content
Barone's Unwavering Promise
Eric Barone recently reaffirmed his dedication to providing free updates and DLC for Stardew Valley. In a Twitter (X) post, he provided an update on the progress of various ports and the next PC update, acknowledging the extended development time. He emphasized his daily work on the mobile port and promised to announce any significant news, including release dates, promptly.
A fan commented that continued free content would alleviate any concerns about delays. Barone's emphatic response: "I swear on the honor of my family name, I will never charge money for a DLC or update for as long as I live," solidified his commitment.
Stardew Valley, a beloved farming simulator/RPG released in 2016, has consistently benefited from Barone's substantial updates. The recent 1.6.9 update introduced features such as new festivals, multiple pets, expanded home renovations, new outfits, enhanced late-game content, and various quality-of-life improvements.
Barone's commitment might extend beyond Stardew Valley, given his work on his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier. However, details remain scarce for this new project.
Working independently on Stardew Valley, Barone's statement reflects his deep respect for his community. His bold declaration, including the challenge to "Screencap this and shame me if I ever violate this oath," assures players of continued free content, a remarkable gesture for a game seven years in its lifespan.
