Stardew Valley developer splits with Chucklefish to self-publish

You can’t get way more indie than breaking apart with a small writer to go completely solo, and that’s precisely what Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone is doing along with his enormously standard farm ’em up Stardew Valley. As of December 14th, he’ll be sole developer and writer of the game on PC, Xbox, PS4 and Vita. The break with Chucklefish appears amicable and never all-encompassing too, with the writer nonetheless dealing with the Nintendo Switch and Android variations of the game. In his statement, he additionally teases “announcements concerning the future of Stardew Valley soon” – thrilling!

It’s fascinating that because of the colossal success of Stardew Valley (most likely outclassing any Harvest Moon game, the collection which impressed it) so outlined Chucklefish. Originally recognized for the sci-fi Terraria-like Starbound (a game which many individuals are nonetheless livid about for causes that baffle me), Chucklefish have been generally known as ‘The Stardew Valley publisher’ in recent times. That fame is prone to proceed because of the Switch and Android variations nonetheless being of their arms, however something new from the collection is completely as much as a extra skilled Barone now.

While largely a solo venture, Stardew Valley’s final main characteristic – multiplayer – was a collaboration between Barone and Chucklefish’s Tom Coxon. Considering how many individuals I do know that also recurrently run Stardew Valley co-op streams, it appears to have been a useful team-up. Still, with out anybody to reply to however himself and undoubtedly armed with a prodigious war-chest, the sky’s the restrict for Barone. What’s subsequent for Stardew Valley? My guess is pretty much as good as any, however I’d not be too stunned to see some type of official growth.

As for what this implies for present gamers within the short-term? Absolutely nothing, barring any last-minute twists. As of December 14th, most variations of the game will now not be formally printed by Chucklefish, however needs to be accessible for a similar worth on the identical shops as earlier than. Fittingly for Stardew Valley, there’s not likely a lot drama right here, simply good vibes.