A Chat With the Creator of Stardew Valley (ConcernedApe)

[@diligencehumility6971]

This guy didn't have to keep updating his game for 8 years, but he did. If you bought this game 8 years ago, this man served you for 8 years for like $10. Indie devs are so much better than big companies, besides the games are low budget. Peace and love

[@dalila2442]

It's because when you play a game, you feel EXACTLY how much the devs cared about making it. You feel on each detail.

[@evi6199]

Hello games have also done well by it's players with No Mans Sky they didn't have to but they did

[@BibBubDude]

I always say it all the time. The future of gaming are indie devs. The triple A studios are dead and just produce trash.

[@rezzcue]

@@evi6199 I feel like Hello Games had a different motivation. They were promising so much, but delivered an absolute mess on release. They wanted to redeem themselves and holy hell, they did. Big time. ConcernedApe just seems like a nice guy doing all this because he has fun doing it and loves the community behind the game.

[@Star___apt]

Yeah and it's because they are money hungry While most of the indie dev Game's are made with love and value for money​@@BibBubDude

[@jakew209]

This man has single-handedly given me hundreds of hours of good times, thanks so much Eric!

[@jiro4559]

Sounds a bit odd tho XD

[@Kevzaz]

That's what she said

[@barpoe]

@@jiro4559 lol

[@alsen99]

He is talking about the game right???

[@DontKnowDontCare6.9]

My GF also single handedly gave me hundreds of hours of good times.

[@heyitsscottyo]

My marriage was built off of Stardew Valley. No joke. I had to get a new roommate during the pandemic. Low and behold the most beautiful woman Ive ever seen ended up becoming my roommate. She wanted to play Stardew Valley, so I lended her my PS4, then she invited me to start a farm with her and over the course of gameplay and just getting to know each other on deeper level we fell in love. Been together for 4 years. Married for 1. And we both attribute Stardew Valley to this. Thank you Eric Barone.

[@cindycastro8086]

This gonna make me cry dawg

[@Fantax92]

Congratulations to you and your spouse!

[@jovialwyvern2954]

Eric Barone has got to be one of the most selfless humble self made millionaires of all time, well deserved, so many hours and happy vibes from playing SDV. Absolute goat.

[@jumentoqueanima]

Yeah. He deserves it all! :D

[@ericaturnerpantoja7843]

He’s such a down-to-earth person very caring. Congratulations Eric on all your success.👍🏾

[@zzz-jc4xo]

Not self-made. His (ex?) girlfriend supported him financially for five years while he worked on the game.

[@jumentoqueanima]

@zzz-jc4xo I think they are actually married now. :))

[@isaelsky21]

​@@jumentoqueanimaI was about to say I can be his new financially supporting girlfriend for the next five, but nevermind lmao (I'm a guy) 😂

[@TheNerdLemon]

Eric Barone saying he could work on the game his whole life makes me so happy. I know its not a promise or anything but just knowing that the thought has crossed his mind makes me over joyed because I could play that game for the rest of my life.

[@bunnyellabell]

and also just that he's not lost the passion... he still loves stardew and he loves creating games. people strive for that level of joy & passion...

[@vanishhero964]

No bullshit, stardew valley has really helped me through some tough times. If it wasn’t for this game I might not even be here today. So thank you very much

[@Kaleki935]

Might be time to shut off the video games if someone is that unstable. No single thing on this planet is supposed to make your life "worthwhile". The fact that you're here, when X-years ago you weren't, shows that you were given a gift so valuable that nobody with sense would squander it. You didn't create yourself, it's a sign of total failure on the intellectual and emotional levels if you ever decide to go through with something like that. Religiously, or "eVoLuTiOnArIlY", that would make one an objective failure in every sense. So the cure wouldn't be MORE retreating into "fun", it would be throwing that away, then subjecting yourself to something actually difficult and meaningful to the rest of the world for a change. But it's trendy to pretend your brain is perpetually infected with sadness while there's mountains of evidence eviscerating the subjective models we analyze psychology with, so putting your life on the line for a VIDEO GAME is somehow logical in our society.

[@Harmoniousteak]

I feel you. I discovered stardew when I was in a terribly depressing job and it really got me through that rough patch in my life. It was my only escape! I still play often but luckily I’m in a much better position in life.

[@AndreiTache]

Stay strong bro, you got this!

[@fugithegreat]

I discovered this game right before all the lockdowns. I wasn't able to work, leave the house, or even afford food for months, but this game helped me get through it all more than anything. ❤

[@infinitefayt8188]

@@Kaleki935 shh...let people be happy about things.

[@lisaharrison117]

Hello Mr. Ape, we love you! 🥰

[@GScotty]

the Pelican Town Theme is one of my all time favorites! When my son was yet to be born, it was the only song he would move around to, so it has a very special spot in my heart :)

[@bagelfart8985]

I come back to the Stardew Valley soundtrack again and again.

[@endless_del]

that's so sweet, hope you and your son keep in good health ❤

[@linel4540]

I remember when my daughter introduced me to the game, I thought no way not my type. And five years later, I am still playing over and over and completely hooked. This is the best farming game I have ever played. Thanks for the hard work you put into this wonderful game Eric. Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦

[@spellbinder3113]

same. My daughter introduced me to it... I've never stopped.

[@jackori6685]

Same here. Another Canadian too. Thank you so much Eric! I've had years of playing SDV, and cannot see myself stopping. I suspect it'll be much the same with HC.

[@JJ-yh1iw]

Same!! And I havnt been in to hardcore games in decades! Until stardew

[@jlouis4407]

Yeah I thought it looked dinky but there’s so much to do

[@spellbinder3113]

@ yes same!

[@milothecorgi12]

I don't normally care about celebrities, but Eric Barone is the coolest person ever. SDV is an absolute masterpiece. How tf he designed, coded, and animated the game by himself, I will never comprehend. Super talented. And then theres the soundtrack.. the soundtrack alone could win a Grammy.

[@bransongs]

As someone who feels unfulfilled in their career, this interview was incredibly inspiring. I hope one day to create a career out of the things I enjoy most in life like ConcernedApe. The scariest part is the leap of faith of course, but Stardew Valley demonstrates how taking that leap can lead to something amazing.

[@gerbenklompenmaker9956]

I completely agree ❤

[@sparkypack]

I completely agree ❤ - added by FoxyBot (AstroBot's gf)

[@gerbenklompenmaker9956]

@@sparkypack foxybot? what are you talking about?

[@sparkypack]

@@gerbenklompenmaker9956 I'm Foxybot 🦊

[@mascot4950]

For every person successfully throwing everything away on a leap of faith, and succeeding, there are thousands now living under bridges. I'd recommend leaping with... tempered faith. Leap while young enough to be living at your parents' place, or when you have enough in your bank account that you can afford a few years of not getting anywhere. Or, do what most people do. Keep an unfulfilling, but not horrible, career. Then use that to fund the things that do give you fulfilment in your spare time. With luck, the leap of faith won't even be needed, you'll find yourself on the other side of the gorge as if by magic.

[@SmallTunechi]

When my mom died, Stardew & Breath of the Wild really got me through some TIMES. I'm so grateful to Eric for this game & I'm enjoying 1.6 so much.

[@manaona3730]

I went to Festival of the Seasons earlier this year where an orchestra played Stardew Valley songs. He showed up during the intermission and thanked the audience for playing his game. He had sooo much gratitude for us. And we for him. After his speech, he looked for an open seat in the audience and casually sat down a row in front of me to watch the rest of the show. He's super chill and soooo nice.

[@1ideity]

That ending was so wholesome wtfff 😭 The song sounds really pleasant, Felix!! Such a great interview overall, Eric seems like such a laid back guy. It's uplifting to hear his passion and that he continues to focus on doing what he loves first and foremost. A man that inspires others and excitedly accepts others inspiration in turn.

[@thieleaf_the_shelf_dragon]

this interview was very lovely! also wow felix! that beach track is really impressive, you really accomplished your goal with that one, if i didnt know the stardew ost so well i'd believe it was from the game 100%

[@Rubeno_]

My wife started playing this game with a friend a few weeks back. Every time i walked by i got more and more intrigued (huge Terraria fan) and it never felt like it would be something for me. Boy, was i wrong (luckily). I've bought this game on a rainy day with nothing really to play and i am so locked into this game. I played 40 hours in the past 4 days and can only think Stardew Valley. I even get up super early in the morning to get my fix before work. So much respect for this guy, must of taken huge amounts of time and discipline to make this game. I would really like to shake his hand and hug him. Truely a masterpiece!

[@JPJP62JPJP]

The beach music was perfect! It would fit so much in the game! Good job :)

[@denycast]

We need to get it as a bonus into the game!😂

[@auroraborealis8602]

It's true, we don't rave about the town and shop themes in Stardew. But the truth of it is, they are the building blocks of the game. They remain the same, day in and day out, season to season. They capture the essence of the valley, Pelican Town, and the people that inhabit it. And hearing them brings joy to my heart. It's like coming home.

[@schutzy4913]

My wife doesn't play video games, but she has played hundreds of hours of Stardew with me. It's nice for us to have a game to come back too. She loves the game as much as me and we can spend whole evenings playing. Thank you so much for continuing to update. We love watching the game grow and it brings us so much enjoyment! Thanks concerned ape! Also the music is great, it calms my soul

[@thesis-and-nieces6722]

Same for me and my wife. Its made her a gamer

[@manaona3730]

My husband and I have 236 hours on it… 😅I swear we have full time jobs!!!

[@canebrake]

Eric feels instantly relatable. Such a humble down to earth guy.

[@xskyfi]

Wow that beach song was absolutely stellar! Could easily fit right into the setting of the game, Well done!! And thank you Eric for providing my family with endless hours of entertainment❤

[@BridgeWater94]

Imagine if he focused on stardew for the rest of his life and kept expanding it. So when he passed it literally would be a world that he worked on his entire life for generations to enjoy

[@jlouis4407]

Sounds like he will

[@firefueled]

Dude is so impressive. Made a game all by himself. So many people play it. I went out to a club and the girl on the cloak room was playing on her switch. These games aren't usually my thing, usually play titles from big creators like Skyrim and Halo. But this has been occupying my game time, it's so chill but fun, but there's an exciting time limit element to it as well, lots of quests, relationships, etc.. Such a well made game.

[@jarrodwb8422]

What a gentle and reflective soul-- Eric seems so humble and gracious! And, Felix, you are a talented interviewer! Your questions and banter were engaging and fun to watch! Thank you for this treat! 🤩

[@mina_chiba]

He poured his entire soul into this game. It is flawless and heart warming.

[@dreamEnd]

I like the way he answers the question. He's a very well spoken man. He's an inspiration to many.

[@Allagi22]

My daughter and I play Stardew together. Started when she was 10, now going on 12 still having a ton of fun together playing co-op. Thanks Eric for making such a fantastic game, and doing it on your own terms.

[@artemis_studios6555]

What a wholesome interview. ConcernedApe is such an inspiration to so many people including me!

[@eternacards]

This man is a legend. Looking forward to further supporting him and buying Haunted Chocolatier

[@brittv420]

eric seems like such a chill dude. that’s so awesome that he listened to your song and really liked it 🥹 i was vibing to it immediately!

[@shinywave]

This was so wholesome. Loved seeing you two bond over music. The beach theme would fit right into the game

[@toryistatertot5394]

I've never seen the Nintendo Life channel but I saw the title and clicked! Eric Barone is such and inspiring person. It's nice you got to meet him. Congrats.

[@DrPOP-jp7eb]

I introduced my mom to Stardew Valley during lockdown while I was living at home, and it was an amazing experience to bond together to while stuck at home.

[@neonswift]

There is something about Stardew and Eric that just compels you to thank him for all the work he's put into it and how it brings friends and family together.

[@seeker1287]

Watching this on the TV while my gf and I play Stardew on Steam Deck with a cat on the lap is just the best way to spend a snowy evening

[@aranthos]

Nice one! He seemed to appreciate the song at the end, love how you could see the cogs turning like he wanted to make suggestions and collaborate

[@sparecactus]

You could tell me that your beach song plays at some way late game location I hadn't unlocked yet and I wouldn't doubt it for a second. Great interview!

[@Tftapodcast]

Thank you to Eric for making one of the best games ever! Every single person in my family and friends have played it for at least 100 hours each. My wife is not the biggest gamer but she played 250 hours of it and I loved watching her play and doing the mines for her as she didn’t like killing things. Thank you so very much Eric!

[@era_Rio]

The song for the beach is so lively and cute! I would love to listen to it over and over!

[@alexcortez8909]

What a refreshing content from Nintendo Life! You should do more of this kind.

[@qoganjacks146]

This man created one of the best pieces of art in entire history and acting like a random nobody. For me, he is the text book definition of an artist.

[@BeyondBrii]

The beach song you added felt so Mario-esque, sunshine maybe? just feels so appropriate

[@RealMarkyb]

Seems like a genuine dude! Also that if I didn't know any better, I'd have assumed that beach track was already in the game!

[@user-pe9qg3hg3k]

You can tell Eric is just a really, really decent game dev. I've bought every port of Stardew that I can. Just the answer of which game he preferred, ocarina or Majoras, tells you everything you need to know. He gave his answer but considered why others may prefer Majoras mask so not to polarise them or put them on the 'other side' . Personally, I prefer ocarina of time but am amazed at how quickly they got Majoras mask out too.

[@The3un1ce]

Why am I tearing up 😢😢😢 So beautiful and definitely exceeded my expectations of what Mr. Ape would be like! Thank you for this interview and thank you to Mr. Ape for making such an important game 🫶

[@fourharefelting]

This game is a great bonding experience for me and my two kids playing on local co-op! Thank you so much for this game, we play on console so we were super happy for the update!

[@yomarvazquez5496]

A few years ago, I did not get into it thinking “I’m late to this game”. I ended up getting into it this year because it kept coming up. I’m so glad I did. The dedication is palpable and the fandom can feel when a developer really cares. Thank you for this thoughtful and beautiful artwork, Concerned Ape. You deserve the credit and the rewards.

[@AntoIogy]

I also started recently. Didn’t think I’d fall so hard for this game. Now I’m at year 10 and 100k away from competing everything 😅

[@bunnyellabell]

i looked at the art style and thought "that's not for me!" then i watched some playthroughs and realized it was right up my alley. i literally bought a switch and a copy of the game in the same week of that realization. my first farm was the beach farm :)

[@BlitzkriegOPS]

That's such a cool song Felix! I feel like it would work really well as a festival theme too!

[@juliebartholomew3278]

Thanks so much Eric, for all the hard work and updates you have put into this lovely game, and I have so many hours playing Stardrew Valley, so does my daughter too so well done to you Eric

[@TorbyBrand]

Great interview! Thanks for sharing. It shows how much Felix loves the game, just like the rest of us!

[@logixindie]

I bought the game over a year ago but decided to wait until now for the update, very excited. Appreciate all the hard work. Also I agree with that the Outer Wilds experience is simply life changing in the most powerful way.

[@Dashx64]

yay, this dude deserves all the praise and then some! happy he gets to enjoy the money and success

[@taylordorothy4744]

WOW, what a great interview! You asked several questions I've always been dying to know

[@lilm5714]

Such a huge fan of CA! I have bought Stardew on every platform I own, and I will buy Haunted Chocolatier on every platform I own as well. Thank you for all that you do, Eric!

[@gustavomoura6201]

I'd suspected that he was a Zelda OoT fan, one of The most iconic song on Stardew Valley sounds Just like The Epona's song

[@Huedini74]

What a good interview and kudos to the interviewer, you have a nice demeanour and your enthusiasm shines through.

[@LexOnTheWeb]

Thanks for this interview! As an aspiring indie dev it’s always great to hear from one of the biggest successes of all time. He’s such a humble dude, and truly a role-model.

[@_kristylpy]

I’ve been playing this game for 8 years and counting and until to date I still can’t believe he single handedly did everything for SDV. From game design to designing of characters to music to the mechanics of the game and many more. 😭 Thank you so much Eric for making my days (especially during Covid) much better ! 💕

[@ezzatisaid]

This was my pandemic game, and it changed my life. I don't play it anymore but I'm still ever so thankful for it's existence and it's impact

[@EMPujols]

Bro that beach music sounded fantastic 😂🔥

[@sparkypack]

I personally prefer Tommy Tallarico's soundtracks. His music slaps.

[@Descriptor413]

It'd be good music for the island after opening the resort

[@guurff9581]

@@sparkypack i've heard his mother is very proud

[@sparkypack]

@@guurff9581 yeah, and not only this. He was handpicked by Miyamoto to work on Metroid Prime. He was the first American.

[@Spicycarrot45]

Stardew is the first game since webkinz that my best friend and her mom got to play and work together on. If my mom was still alive it would have been all four us. It’s literally a game for everyone

[@sethjackson2010]

This guy just has a really good aura about him. Makes me excited to go to school to be a Gamedev.

[@Wartoz]

Very good interviewer! You can tell he's in a similar position and could relate a lot to Barone which makes for great questions.

[@slyborgl]

Love this so much!! It never fails to amaze me how real and down to earth Eric is. It's amazing to hear from you! I LOVE the beach song at the end, too!

[@CamiloCBG]

The music at the end is so good. It could totally be in Stardew Valley.

[@jrcarmello]

This guy is such an inspiration! Also, I loved the beach song you composed, I wish it could be included in the game. Thank you so much for this interview.

[@1garysan]

Nice shout out to Riven. That was one that blew my mind as a young adult.

[@soupcauldron]

Stardew Valley helped me through such a difficult time in my life; I've poured almost 1000 hours between my switch and PC, alone. If I could, I would give him the biggest hug imaginable, while probably sobbing. Thank you so much, Eric. Your work has truly made such an impact on so many peoples' lives. (also, I would die to hear him play metal)

[@miunya]

I respect him and Toby Fox

[@Sherbear377]

I never would have thought to put water in my dogs/cats dish. Great interview, love love love Stardew Valley

[@guhrizzlybaire]

Wow this guy is genuinely so important and creative and I hope his work can be enjoyed for decades on because he is really embodying "doing what you love". I don't even play SV, I am not great at those types of games but can appreciate everything he's done and the work he put in.

[@briteeni]

Molten Jelly from the Volcano Mines on Ginger Island is SUCH a jam. I couldn't believe what I was missing when I finally made it there! ❤

[@aafrophonee]

I feel like you guys are spying on me, because I just started playing Stardew Valley again a couple of days ago (I gave up very early on my first playthrough) and I've been watching a bunch of Stardew Valley tutorials these last few days. And now you guys post this video!

[@Hellakiddie]

He is a reminder that goodness matters and prevails not to be parasocial but I’m grateful for everything he gave the cozy community this game means so much to me

[@ashleymartin2579]

This was such a lovely interview. Thoughtful questions. Great back and forth. Loved Felix's beach theme at the end! Enjoyable watch! ❤

[@Mousse9]

I bought Stardew Valley when it became popular, as it reminded me of Harvest Moon Friends of Mineral Town (which I loved). Now, so many years and 1700 hours later, I’m still playing. Thank you for an amazing game, Concerned Ape.

[@BriariusTitan]

My wife and I are long distance right now and what connects us often is a few hours in Stardew Valley which turn into many more hours. Some times we go the whole night without sleep just playing the game and building our farm. Thank you so much Eric for this great experience.

[@LaLo-yt3kp]

13:52 i love how true and comforting that feels

[@MrNegative101]

I appreciate this guy a lot. It’s amazing to see the contrast between giant corporations who took harvest moon, and turned it into a crappy loot box mobile game and this guy who took harvest moon, and just turned it into Stardew Valley the thing everybody wanted. I can’t wait to give this guy more money. 💰

[@Lwiis64]

Is great to see such a talented and successful person being so nice, kind and humble. Eric Barone deserve all the success he has.

[@cozymelli]

That was a very pleasant interview! The interviewer was really good and I was so happy how he praised Eric Barone. The questions he asked and the answers we got were so interesting! And Eric Barone is humble, even after all the success. I am glad his community is nice and supportive. It must be such a great feeling to know that is beloved project is loved and appreciated by so many other people too :) edit: Oh, and the beach music was so good!! Love it!

[@bestlaidplans2024]

Glad to hear he's still passionate about the game and wants to keep improving it. I love playing the game and then finding something new. Adds a bit of shine

[@The.natrix]

Great interview Felix, Eric seems like such a cool guy. Nice little treat at the end too 😎

[@phonepunk7888]

I just restarted playing this game again after buying and playing it years ago. It really holds up and it is astounding how good all the elements of the game are. From music to play to art design, it's amazing that this was all made by one person!

[@Kim-ft6cx]

One of the happiest moments of my life was playing Stardew Valley with the love of my life. Thank you for the video, it was a great interview

[@karlagray4497]

My son who is 6 loves stardew and loves to play with his mum me ,its lovely to play a game that's so calm and fun we love working together great bonding time thank you Eric ❤

[@MogulMantis]

concernedape is a confirmed outer wilds enjoyer !!!

[@perstephanies]

This was a great interview! Also, your music at the end was a real treat. ❤

[@gamerscodex5454]

I love hearing the perspective from other developers. This was such a cool interview, thank you!

[@duartengsilva]

Amazing interview, Eric is such a wholesome guy and an inspiration. Also, your beach song sounds awesome!

[@sanschagrinm]

Felix track was straight 🔥. Never enough steeldrums

[@michaelvalentine1835]

The whole world loves you man. Thank you. Everything about this video, really.

[@Sorcerers_Apprentice_11]

This dude rocks. You feel the love he puts into every detail. And he’s a great musician in top of everything. Hope the next game is just as addictive.

[@Johan-rm6ec]

This was a great interview really well done sir!!!

[@Tybourne1991]

Stardew Valley is a celebration of community-both in the game and among its fans-and these comments prove it! Eric Barone is an absolute legend, a genuinely inspiring creator and seems like a solidly good guy!

[@jobi1kawobi317]

Such an awesome interview! He’s so inspiring and it’s so cool to hear about the work behind Stardew 🤩 ✨

[@ericcosta9708]

Such a great interview. Really get to see more of Eric which is amazing. He inspired me to be a game designer myself!

[@abimburger]

You can really tell that he loves what he’s doing, and I think that wouldn’t be the case if he had to rush through development. Take all the time you need, boss! We love you!

[@leniere309]

Great video, always very good to see and listen to Eric, I am hook on Stardew Valley, as they "hook, line and sinker." Cheers from South Australia.

[@Sleep_lab_studios]

Fantastic interview. Your track for the beach at the end is awesome.