Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has confirmed that a new update for the game is in the works. During a recent concert, Barone announced that version 1.7 of Stardew Valley is officially on the way. He didn’t give a release date or timeline, but the news was quickly shared online, which was a relief to fans who were worried that new content was no longer being made for the game, which came out almost a decade ago.
Barone also addressed a common question from fans: whether the new update would slow down progress on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier. He wrote on X, “My plan is that this will not hinder Haunted Chocolatier development.” This was great news for fans who are excited for both new Stardew Valley content and his new project.
Stardew Valley has been a huge indie hit since it was released in 2016. The game lets players restore a run-down farm and do things like grow crops, go mining, fish, and get to know the townspeople. Its mix of freedom and heartfelt stories has made it a favorite among critics and players alike. By December 2024, it had sold over 41 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video games ever.
Barone created the game all by himself over four and a half years. It was inspired by the Story of Seasons series, but he made changes that fans of the genre had been asking for. Its success even got the attention of Yasuhiro Wada, the creator of Story of Seasons, who praised the game for keeping the sense of player freedom he felt his own series had lost.
Now that Stardew Valley 1.7 is official, fans will be guessing what new content might be coming. While we don’t know much yet, the announcement shows that Barone is still dedicated to the game, even as he works on his next big project.
