Stardew Valley Creator Eric ‘Concerned Ape’ Barone Teases Exciting Additions and Details on Update Rollout
Eric Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated 1.6 update is slated for release in 2024. Responding to eager fans on Twitter, Barone shed light on the status of the update, suggesting that the new content exceeded the initially envisioned scope, leading to a more extensive development process.
Barone reassured players that major content additions for the 1.6 update are now complete, and the focus has shifted to the bug-fixing and polishing phase. Expressing gratitude for the fans’ patience, he conveyed excitement about witnessing everyone’s experience with the upcoming update.
In response to a fan’s inquiry about starting a new game to fully appreciate the 1.6 content, Barone clarified that while players could enjoy most of the additions without starting anew, commencing a fresh file would offer a more immersive experience. He explained, “It’ll be fine to play on an old save, but I’d probably recommend a new save just to experience everything in context, otherwise you’ll unlock a bunch of stuff right away when you load up your old save.”
Additionally, Barone revealed that the update would likely make its debut on PC before arriving on console and mobile platforms. He emphasized his commitment to minimizing the delay between platform releases, citing past experiences where prolonged gaps proved challenging.
The 1.6 update promises a wealth of fresh content for Stardew Valley enthusiasts, including hundreds of lines of new dialogue, novel items, improved modding support, and late-game additions. Meanwhile, Barone has already commenced work on his next project, “The Haunted Chocolatier,” which diverges from Stardew Valley by placing a greater emphasis on combat while retaining the beloved design features and aesthetics of its predecessor.
Barone, who shared screenshots of The Haunted Chocolatier last year, has hinted at the possibility of adapting Stardew Valley into a Studio Ghibli-inspired movie, contingent on finding the right partners for the venture. As fans eagerly await the 1.6 update, Barone’s ongoing commitment to enriching the Stardew Valley universe continues to captivate players worldwide.