Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creative mind behind the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley, has officially confirmed that version 1.7 is in the works. The revelation came during a live concert dedicated to Stardew Valley's music, where Barone addressed the audience, acknowledging, "I revealed this at the concert last night and now the cat's out of the bag. So I will confirm for everyone: There will be a Stardew Valley 1.7 update." Despite the announcement, Barone advised fans to maintain realistic expectations, stating, "More will come. I just don't want too much hype at this point. It's going to be a while before the update is ready."
Development and Collaborations
While the news is exciting for the game's passionate community, Barone highlighted that the development of version 1.7 will inevitably slow progress on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier. Nonetheless, Barone has assembled a team to assist with maintaining Stardew Valley, though he still insists on personally contributing to new content.
The transition to a more collaborative approach marks a significant shift from the early days when Barone single-handedly developed Stardew Valley over several years. Despite the support, he remains deeply involved in the game’s evolution, ensuring that future updates retain the unique charm and quality players have come to expect.
Minimizing Update Delays
One of the recurring pain points for Stardew Valley players has been the delay between PC and console releases of updates. Barone addressed this concern by promising to reduce the gap experienced with version 1.6, which saw a six-month delay for console enthusiasts. While exact timelines for the 1.7 update are unavailable, this effort to streamline releases is likely to be well-received by the community.
In acknowledging the game's enduring popularity, Barone emphasized the importance of managing expectations. "Avoid excessive hype" was his message to fans, a reminder of the unpredictable nature of game development and the dedication required to maintain the game’s high standards.
As the anticipation builds, the Stardew Valley community can look forward to yet another chapter in the ongoing journey of their cherished game. While specifics remain under wraps, the confirmation of version 1.7 is a promising sign of continued innovation and commitment from one of the gaming industry’s most admired indie developers.
