Why Stardew Valley’s Creator Hated His Game

Eric Barone is the one man team who created Stardew Valley. Despite the game being a huge success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide, Eric thought the game was terrible before he released it. This is the true story of the development of Stardew Valley
Visual Sources:
Stardew Valley Footage from Casas Plays - • Stardew Valley 1.6 - L...
Eric Barone and Yauhiro Wada - • The creators of Starde...
Eric Barone on the news - • Stardew Valley develop...
Stardew Valley Alpha Footage - • Stardew Valley Gameplay
Stardew Valley Footage from ProfPigglesWorth - • Stardew Valley #1 | Ju...
Eric Barone in GQ - www.gq.com/story/stardew-vall...
Stardew Valley Cosplay - / group-cosplay-at-stard...
Another Stardew Valley Cosplay - imgur.com/gallery/2GMch/comme...
Eric Barone at PAX West - / concernedape_was_at_pa...
Stardew Valley PS4 Trailer - • Stardew Valley - Gamep...
Eric Barone at PAX East - ethrildragon.tumblr.com/post/...
Eric at Auntie Annes - • March 5, 2011
Eric at PAX West - • Stardew Valley - 1.1 u...
90s PC Boot Sequence - • 90s PC boot sequence w...
Duck Hunt on MS DOS - • Duck Hunt (PC MS-DOS, ...
Eric’s Bread Days - • ERICS BREAD DAYS
Reason for Beginners - • Reason for Beginners |...
Auntie Anne’s Store - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
University of Washington Tacoma Ad - • Welcome to UW Tacoma
Another Auntie Anne’s Store - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
Harvest Moon SNES Longplay - • Let's Play Harvest Moo...
Back To Nature Gameplay - • Part 6 : Harvest Moon ...
Harvest Moon 64 - • SCARIEST MOMENT IN THE...
HarvestCraft Trailer - • HarvestCraft
Harvest Moon Light of Hope - • Harvest Moon: Light of...
FarmVille Footage - • FarmVille -online game...
Sprout Valley Trailer - • Stardew Valley Trailer...
Minecraft Beta Gameplay - • My Minecraft Beta 1.7....
DeltaRune Trailer - • DELTARUNE Chapter 2 - ...
XNA Code Example - • C# XNA Tile engine tes...
XNA Studio Tutorial - • Beginners XNA Game Stu...
Pixel Art Tutorial - • OpenGameArt Pixel Art ...
Paint.net Tutorial - • Paint.NET - Crop and e...
Eric Barone playing Moonlight Jellies - • Playing Moonlight Jell...
Civilization V Footage - • Civ V - AI Gandhi usin...
Final Fantasy Longplay - • PSX Longplay [003] Fin...
Old Toyota Camry LE - commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
More Harvest Moon Footage - • Harvest Moon: Back to ...
Eric Barone at Treefort Music Fest - www.flickr.com/photos/treefor...
Eric Barone AMA at Hackfort - • AMA with the games ind...
Star Trek Original Series Footage - • Star Trek Balance of T...
Vibe With Zac Playthrough - • Stardew Valley Playthr...
Starbound Trailer - • Starbound 1.0 Launch T...
Stardew Valley getting a Stardrop - • Where To Find EVERY St...
Stardew Valley out of bound glitch - • Best Glitches To Abuse...
Eric Barone at Treefort - www.flickr.com/photos/treefor...
Stardew Valley Multiplayer Trailer - • Stardew Valley - Multi...
Eric presenting at Hackfort - www.flickr.com/photos/treefor...
Stardew Valley 1.1 Trailer - • Stardew Valley 1.1 Lau...
Beach Farm in Stardew 1.5 - • First Look Tour of the...
Eric Barone and Yasuhiro Wada meet - • The creators of Starde...
Haunted Chocolatier Trailer - • ConcernedApe's Haunted...
#StardewValley

[@Nellooo]

Thanks for watching! Who should I talk about next?

[@fishblades]

Videogamedunkey just released his first game with his publishing company, a game that was also made by a single person.

[@dosunokioshi5800]

0😅​ 2:59 😅

[@soundscaperelaxation2571]

Talk about the free masons!

[@Sephiroso.]

I wouldn't mind a deep dive into the downfall of Harvest Moon. That game used to be one of my favorites up to the PS2 harvest moon game(Karen4life). The modern ones don't even deserve to be called Harvest Moon. I heard Story of Seasons is made by the original makers but even that one is pretty meh.

[@MisterPineTree]

Please could you talk about Toby Fox, the creator of Undertale? I would love to Know more about him and his developing of the game

[@sassygrilledcheese]

Major shoutout to Amber for supporting Eric. Now neither of them have to worry ever again edit: are y'all really arguing in my comment thread?

[@adamwiest622]

I know, that is the definition of a loving relationship. She didn’t leave when she wasn’t getting enough from him. She knew he was doing it not only for himself, but for both of their futures.

[@bakedpotato1717]

I’ve been in her position, working more than full time to support my significant other following his dream. It’s extremely hard. You talk about things and you think you have a sense of it, how you’re going to set up the new structure of your relationship, but in 6 months you’re feeling it instead of theorizing it. You’re feeling things you didn’t expect to feel (“I need more interaction from him”) but now you’re ~in it~ and navigating it is much harder than theorizing it. Major kudos to her!! Thank you for recognizing her hard work throughout this endeavor! :)

[@ijustlearnhowtochange]

Indeed. I always think his gf is awesome as hell. Like damn, the support she gave his is amazing. She is the dream ❤

[@sivasankar2784]

If it was other way around, the vagina would have left immediately after getting successful

[@KulaGGin]

Someone should throw this wrench into the redpillers wheel.

[@fishblades]

God bless amber, without her we may not even have stardew. She's the definition of a supportive spouse and deserves all the fancy things she can now buy.

[@user-xf1ur3hu4z]

money buys nothing but misery...... honestly. it is the worst

[@angkhoa1216]

@@user-xf1ur3hu4zAh yes the only thing naive people and rich people said

[@dragopenguin]

Yeah, money isn’t the most important, but it is still important.

[@mercedesamgpetronas2439]

@@angkhoa1216nah poor people say it more nowadays

[@axiakronech.109]

​@@user-xf1ur3hu4z So how you can eat without money?

[@dmitri9831]

I love this story but not only because Eric did finish his dream game and became so successful, but because Amber is an absolute diamond... She supports the guy for so long, she's one of the two reasons we can play Stardew Valley now, the other being Eric. Such a great and inspiring story!

[@gaIexy]

exactly! she deserves MAJOR props 💖 she's a HUGE reason he was even able to finish it at all; without being able to live with parents AND her financial support, he wouldn't have been able to just work and work and work for all those years straight.

[@ChimeraLotietheBunny]

Yesss

[@BigIndianBindi-jy1cz]

so basically, Eric got lots of love and support early on from his family, and that determined his strengths. Love and Support gives a human soo much power for creation.

[@Frauke_M]

Yes. It is everything. If every Child would have such Parents, this would be another World to live in. I did not have that. And I basicly have had no Life. No Friends, no Relationships, no Money, not one Vacation. Just sitting in an empty Room alone on a PC my hole Life. I have not the Brain to make more of my Life because I was not teached anything as Kid, I was left alone in a Room and not taken care of at all. Thats why the Brain does not develop and as an Adult you can do nothing, learning is to hard for such a Brain. It takes Ages to learn what others may pick up in Seconds - so you are doomed to live like that for the rest of your Life. Useless and without Love or Meaning. My Mother didn´t want a third Kid and treated me as if I was not there my hole Life. I write this to make clear how importand it is, that we treat our Kids the best way. Even if a Mother didn´t want it. Pls don´t destroy the Life of your Child. It´s not their fault. You made them!

[@BigIndianBindi-jy1cz]

@@Frauke_M I completely relate to you. I am the same way, and it sucks.

[@user-fp7im4bb8k]

We’re in update 1.6 now and the game just keeps getting bigger and more rewarding

[@zlatkajupe]

Seriouslyyyy I'm loving the update! Just keeps getting better and better

[@vladimir8035]

​@zlatkajupe I haven't played the game since probably 2016-17. I stopped because it was too addicting. Is it worth giving it a try again after so many years? I'm afraid becoming an addict again lol

[@Meg4n]

@@vladimir8035 You really should play it again, especially with the newest update. Only thing is, it's still extremely addicting lol

[@vladimir8035]

@@Meg4n Goddamn, becoming an adult sucks. I'll surely give it a try some day this Summer.

[@AnotherShoutIntoTheVoid]

Imagine having a girlfriend who loves you no matter how much money you have, believes in your dreams, supports you while you pursue them, and has no resentment about it. What an absolute unicorn.

[@MagicCuboid]

My wife (girlfriend at the time) did the same when I had to go back to school working minimum wage. I'm no success story like Eric Barone but she helped me achieve my dreams anyway! Thanks for reminding me of how special she is

[@Amsayy]

Also shoutout to Eric who didn't bail on her old life and relationships once financial success starts rolling in. So many people can be blinded by the green.

[@triadwarfare]

*how little money you have. Definitely a keeper. It's hard to get that much support from a partner where people will paint you as a red flag for being a burden.

[@ZawaOnYoutube]

Seriously there's gotta be like 10 women like that on the planet, feels like

[@pi4795]

Tbh the guy was working hard on his game even if he didn't bring money. It's not like she just take care of him while he was wasting his time (still, amazing gf for believing in him)

[@Rock_Appreciator]

"Imagine playing the same game, all day, for 4 years..." I don't think this guy is built for RuneScape 😆

[@aydencahoon6557]

Or fifa

[@pizzaroneee]

Or minecraft

[@177silas]

Or WoW, PoE, LoL

[@suspiciousleaguemoments]

i thought about this too XD

[@SiriusV23]

I'm pretty sure they mean to play the same game from the start everyday just to ensure that the game run smooth without bugs and glitches. Imagine playing the tutorial mode 1000x.

[@mashak5135]

this has shifted how I think of Mr. Qi's dialogue regarding "perfection" and to never quit seeking it. There's a lot of Eric's mentality in those words

[@jhrmd]

I kinda feel like Mr. Qi is based off of Eric Barone himself, more like his inner mysterious self just like how we have our own. Hitting perfection, not rushing things too early, fruits of hardwork, etc.

[@travelingscienceman4404]

@@jhrmd that is a fantastic analysis as well as summary of Mr. Qi!

[@baronminx]

He made me realize you can create something even in your lowest times and it be something everyone enjoys. It takes time and patience for something you dream of becoming a reality😭

[@SuperFlashDriver]

As Mr. Bigweld once said "You Can Shine No Matter What You're Made Of."

[@Alexander_Grant]

Art comes from pain. When you're at your lowest, your creativity is the highest.

[@SuperFlashDriver]

@@Alexander_Grant Take that same philosophy with chores and other things outside of Art, and yeah, it convinces you to finish it as much as you can.

[@reaganation6000]

Everybody needs an Amber in their life, doesn't necessary have to be a girlfriend. Your parents can be your Amber too

[@virginiaheywood8535]

Dont forget that you can be the Amber you wish to see in the world

[@triadwarfare]

Or you could be the other Amber... the one so infamous, she kinda brought down a veteran actor in an iconic series.

[@redsentry9785]

​@@triadwarfarethey both are bad people, and also what the hell do they have to do with anything

[@JonathanTash]

That would be nice, but some of us just have to tough it out alone when it comes to our dreams. The fact is that for most people, myself included, nobody fucking cares what your dream is or how hard you're working at it. It's the norm to have to wait until things blow up and your success looks like it was always a foregone conclusion before anyone starts believing in you. Eric got very lucky to have somebody that supportive in his life.

[@moastray5093]

If ypu try to be an amber people will just take advantage of that This case was an exception not the rule You cant trust humans

[@bonelessization]

Man his standards must be super high. Even on release stardew valley was awesome. No clone has really been able to do the same quality work as concernedape did, and he was by his self doing it.

[@McBloodFart]

I bought stardew on release, and it was definitely great back then too. Most of the issues were small like forgetting levels in the mines or spouse jealousy.

[@MrRafagigapr]

hard to judge when there is nothing similar , when Minecraft came out 15 years ago lots of people just thought it looked like pixelized shit , it did and still does but visuals were never the point , and until today only vintage story has been able to improve on the original feeling Minecraft had , and mostly because Microsoft barely touches the game

[@prumchhangsreng979]

@@MrRafagigaprwhat is YOUR POINT?

[@MrRafagigapr]

@@prumchhangsreng979 my point is that if you made something that was never been done before , even if you dislike it , it could be very good for someone else because people have different tastes and like different things in games

[@prumchhangsreng979]

I don’t think you could say that for Stardew Valley. RPG game with pixelated graphic had exist and thriving for years and years. Even now, it’s hard to find game that give the same joy and vibe. So stardew valley is good not because the standard is low, it’s good because it’s good. Same could be said about minecraft, u forget the simple fact that not everybody judge the game based on it graphics like u. There are other factor that make a game good. There are many people who prefer indie game kind of graphic over graphic that are too realistic. Lot of people like the simplicity of minecraft. Beside, if u do something that no one do it before and now it has nothing to compare to. THEN that alone is a FEAT worthy of respect, and can be something that consider to be “good”

[@Sushi0923]

Honestly, Amber is the GOAT in this story. She supported Eric all throughout and that makes Amber an absolute gem. Kudos to you, Amber!

[@ozzyg82]

Totally agree - behind every great person, there’s a bunch of other unsung heroes. His parents must have been pretty cool too to let them both live there rent free/ low rent for ages too. His dad encouraging him to learn laid a solid foundation too.

[@amaella1]

I find it funny how people say Amber was crazy for supporting him like that. I think she wasn't at all. I think she is a smart woman who knew exactly what made original harvest moon great as she was a fan and she knew stardew valley would be a hit. And she knew her partner was dedicated enough to polish it to perfection.

[@knox7945]

Anyone who tells people they are crazy for supporting their significant other, are just plain wrong. That's how its supposed to be, something that is now lost in these days.

[@farhaxai9948]

no one can actually know if something is gonna be successful, especially when you're doing indie games. We have the luxury of knowing it's already a success so we could say that, but realistically, supporting someone like this is a huge gamble. But if it's your significant other, then they should be supporting regardless of the probability of success.

[@ArksideGames]

She wasn't crazy, she was a genuine good woman.

[@gazelle_diamond9768]

I don't think it was crazy, but I also don't think it would've been crazy or unfair to not put up with this situation. Amber took a gamble and she was willing to take it for Eric. But it was definitely still a gamble and I couldn't fault anyone for wanting to leave such a situation.

[@RafaelROUNDUP]

She didn't know anything all she did was push forward and try to keep her marriage afloat

[@Laezar1]

Sadly a lot of stories like that would end up in disaster, the game not ever releasing or making any money, the partner not being able to be supportive for so many years, or health problem coming in the way of actually finishing the game. These success story are inspirational but they exist within a system that's designed to make that kind of stuff a dangerous gamble that most will fail while the few successes are shown as a way to justify that it's all just about hard work when it's not.

[@Peleski]

I was contemplating that also. We all love edgy success stories...

[@cuffmeincorporated]

Eric gotta go down as one of the most legendary creatives out there, and the support Amber gave him fully made his dreams reality. Such an inspiration, I wouldn't know what the guy is feeling right now

[@0ssoul]

This vid made me realize how much concernedape proyected himself onto Sebastian when it comes to them both being programmers, with a specific goal and working by themselves because they didn't want to "be a part of the corporative rat race" (literally said in his 2 heart event). Amazing video! keep up the great work :)

[@spectrademonica]

tfw I love Sebastian so much I marry him every playthrough... LOL. No wonder his gf/wife always stayed. Hell of a guy.

[@TimeLady8]

@@spectrademonica I always marry Sebastian, too.

[@mgshadow45]

Eric Barone is one of the best devs ever to exist. Even better he's an awesome person too.

[@johnpett1955]

He's definitely up there with the likes of devs like Redigit.

[@dustbucketau]

and he's hot

[@peacefulminimalist2028]

I love how he still to this day interacts with his community and is so down to earth. Really great person.

[@RyuLightorb]

Yeah my few interactions with him when the game wasn't even released yet but tease online were nothing but pleasant :) dude deserves the success

[@SioxerNikita]

Be careful with the whole "With enough persistence you can truly what ever you want in life". This guy had a pretty good start, people to support him, etc. Stories like this are part of the survivorship bias, because you don't hear about the people that grind their life to the ground.

[@jasperzanovich2504]

This story could have easily lead to a ruined existance if only one factor had been different. He had parents which lead him into that direction, and massive support from all around. His family, friends and most importantly his partner.

[@SioxerNikita]

@@jasperzanovich2504 Exactly!

[@Amsayy]

@@jasperzanovich2504also the fact that his game was basically an overnight sensation. It could have just as easily be lost in the sauce of all the other indie games that came out. I love stardew valley, and I love that Eric was the one who got to reap the rewards of his labour, but luck of the draw had played a part in it. Man got that luck buff on lock

[@svenmify]

Everyone knows that failure can happen tho. It’s what’s stopping most people from even trying. A bit of encouragement and an inspiring story isn’t a bad thing. I’ve been obsessed with creating things all my life. I had many failures. And a couple of successes, which more than made up for it. Had I stopped trying, I would only have had failures.

[@SioxerNikita]

@@svenmify You'd be surprised. This one can be dangerous because it is one that could've ruined his life. This was also not many failures leading to success. This was, again, potentially life destroying choices that lead to success

[@jfi_]

hyperfocus, creativity and procrastination, sounds like ADHD

[@kairi8882]

yes, i got identified there

[@feistsorcerer2251]

For anyone wondering about the copyright dispute I have a short version. Harvest Moon is a game series from Japan. It was originally localized by a different company. The Japanese company that made the games decided to localize it themselves at their American branch. The company that was doing it before obviously didn't like that. The original localization company owned the rights to the Harvest Moon title. So following the split the original game series that was called Harvest Moon had to change it's name over here to Story of Seasons. The localization company started putting out their own games with the title of Harvest Moon, so that people who didn't know about the change would buy it based on the title. Generally most people agree those games are not very great. So tldr The original game series that was called Harvest Moon is now called Story of Seasons. And any games coming out called Harvest Moon are a different game series that has had consistent issues.

[@Qrtuop]

And both are boring compared to Stardew.

[@Sephiroso.]

Story of Seasons is still pretty bad though which is sad. OG Harvest Moon up to like PS2 era was 10/10. Not sure why their current game is aggressively underwhelming.

[@tulip811]

​@@Sephiroso. They didn't even sell the PS2 games in Europe. Until DS harvest moon wasn't published or changed heavily in Europe ....

[@LuaanTi]

"With enough persistence..." and a huge amount of support from everyone around you... :D

[@braydenhale4949]

As an artist, we are all our own harshest critics. Ive been told my drawings and cartoons are really good and fun looking. I still dont like what I make, but i know i see all the flaws in my own work and others just see the art subjectively and have differing opinons.

[@Zeithri]

I needed to read this today.

[@droid-droidsson]

Well, I think the big difference is that you see what you made compared to what you _wanted_ to make, and then look at all the differences between those two as flaws and mistakes, whereas others often don't have any idea what exactly you were aiming for and just evaluate what is actually there. While the former might be an okay way to critique the act of making the art, I think the latter is actually a more honest critique of what you ended up making.

[@Hananniee]

when the world needed him most, he returned

[@Rune_Daddy69]

The dream team. 😍

[@Gnomable]

He's really lucky he had so many people around to support him through the game's development.

[@cheesymcnuggets]

Whilst I doubt I’ll ever be as great or popular as Eric Barone or Toby Fox, their accomplishments forever serve as my goals. I see myself quite a lot in Eric but I have one major flaw that he didn’t and that is an extreme inability to focus when I can’t see the path ahead. Eric somehow kept his head down and worked non-stop whereas I’ve been stuck on the narrative part of my game for half a year with little progress. I have the discipline to sit down and try all day everyday to make a game but lack the focus to actually make any progress. I refuse to give up though. Before starting game development, when I had just turned 18, I had literally zero skills, I was pathetic and had even been told by one of my friends that “if i was you, I’d kill myself” obviously im no longer friends with them… but yeah, one of my biggest motivators for making a full complete commercial game is to prove to myself that i can accomplish something most couldnt, that i am not worthless, it has always been a dream of mine to make a game but i always disregarded the idea because everyone would always say it’s near impossible and i would never be able to do it, this is what i want, and i refuse to let it go, im so sick of giving up and never committing to things i want or need… making this game is incredibly important to me, i know i shouldnt connect my self-worth with a goal but i can’t help it, i don’t know what i will do if I can’t finish this game, that is why I need to succeed! I only want to release a game im happy with, i dont care if i lose money on it, it’s not about fame or riches, it’s about proving to myself that i am not a waste of oxygen and completing what i always thought was an impossible task. Whilst I do see myself a lot in Eric, Toby has had the most influence on me due to his game being about determination. I can tell all my friends don’t believe in me… I started game development almost 2 years ago and they haven’t really seen anything from me… i can’t blame them… But that doesn’t matter because I believe in myself, I don’t care if it takes me 10 years, I refuse to accept anything less than a complete game. I do hope I will improve to the point where I can get a job in the industry, as much as I like working at a supermarket, I’d like a fixed salary in career im passionate about. Sorry im rambling like crazy, i wont delete this though, i feel like im fighting impossible odds and i want people to know that it’s no longer stopping me from trying.

[@Hetsu..]

Good luck lad!

[@SuperSSSSooonniicccc]

Please don't beat yourself up. If they're your friends, I'm sure they believe in you! What friends don't believe in their friend? Could you possibly find a way to disconnect your identity to the game's progress? Your self-worth is certainly more than just your passion project. At the very least, please don't compare yourself to others. Please pay attention to all the small improvements you have made as a person and hold onto that. And then see how far you have come and the next steps to improve! The completion of the game is great, but the journey is more important! That's what makes the completion great and if it was easy, it wouldn't be worthwhile. So keep going! Tell those inner thoughts to shut up and keep working towards your dream! I'm reminded of a great quote from Xenoblade 3: "“Memories melt in the morning light, and then, a new day begins. Roads stretch out before us. So many paths. Which do you choose? That’s up to you. Sometimes, you might run astray. You’ll stop, maybe cry in frustration. But, you know, that’s all right. For the roads… They go on without end. So look up, face forward, toward your chosen horizon… And just… walk on.” No matter how far you think you have gotten off your path, keep moving forward and eventually it will lead to something worthwhile!

[@cheesymcnuggets]

@@SuperSSSSooonniicccc Good friends, friends that can see my flaws and still accept me, they don’t have to believe in me, I’ve given them no reason to… yet. And no, I won’t disconnect my identity from my game, as they are one in the same. I’m so passionate about game development that it is now who I am, I was a nobody, an empty canvas, so it wasn’t hard for my first real passion to become my personality, and I am using game development as a form of expression for myself, if I give up my game, I’m giving up on myself. I remind myself of all my flaws so I know how far I’ve come. But yeah I pretty much agree with your entire reply, even if it seems conflicting

[@artie-6493]

I agree that you shouldn't be so harsh on yourself, given that you have lot of symptoms of ADHD, that I highly doubt you got even diagnosed with or gotten a good treatment for it. So, if you get a good medical support for your ADHD, maybe you'll be able to focus much more! You are very valid and can accomplish what you dream of, I wish you find cooler people aswell along the way.

[@damsen978]

Most supportive girlfriend i ever seen.

[@clownworldhouse]

While Eric made the game alone, it wouldn't be possible without the support of friends and family. What an amazing story!

[@ntaniswastaken]

Splendid video quality, exceptionally smooth to follow. I didn't even realize it was just released until I looked at the comments, after watching it in full. Keep it up!

[@Nellooo]

I really appreciate that, thank you!!

[@andrewbonafilia984]

I know after hearing all this telling this man he deserves a break wont really do anything cause his anxiety wont let him. So uh just... Dont let Haunted Chocolatier do you in, hope he learned how to take it in alittle slower and learned he knows how to make a good game.

[@MerccreM15]

I think he did learn. He isn't really saying anything about the game other than it exists and a couple little teasers. He's also taking breaks on HC to come up with new ideas for SV and explicitly stated it will be out when it's ready. Being able to go between projects, even if they are both coding/art/etc is a huge stress relief over constantly doing the same thing. Plus, now he has the financial freedom to work on it as his own pace without worry.

[@diamondly6250]

well now he can not rush it seeing as before he was scared of failing

[@norXmal]

Damn, Amber is a trooper and I am glad it all paid off in the end for Eric and Amber.

[@jacobleetaylor]

The ultimate power couple 😍 great things can happen when you and your SO work as a team, greater than the sum of the parts

[@TaylerBootz]

Most artists hate their own work. I can never push through that myself.

[@HillHomeGaming]

The worst part of YT for me as a creator is having to listen to my own voice lol

[@Worldfire_Interactive]

I kept pushing through until one day things started to click and now I love my own style. It’s easy to get lost in all the awesome art on the net and never feel satisfied with your own, but if you stop caring about what everyone else is doing and really focus on building a style you’ll eventually reach a place where art is satisfying.

[@miletilblight2181]

18:06 Someone's never seen the "tea" cutscene with caroline Hell with how much the saplings are worth? There's no way it's actually tea

[@LukasJampen]

"Medicinal" tea probably 😂

[@xfffg1496]

"You smell grass" Jas

[@Baka578]

Wow a supportive wife and parents and a successful game. Glad it all worked out for him

[@Davidrsq]

This story is so inspiring. A SINGLE person created a full game, and not just any game, but a great game. I really admire this guy.

[@ThenamesC]

Yooo guys he remembered his account password!

[@SpencerfromEarth]

Weird seeing this video with 140 views and not like 1.2m or whatever

[@Nellooo]

Hopefully soon :D

[@bingonight1504]

Hope so!

[@Eldrick_]

Let it cook bro, it was just posted yesterday.

[@darragh4393]

This comment didn't age well

[@bingonight1504]

bro the chicken's not done yet give it time

[@CT2507]

All artists doubt and hate their own art. This is very common. The important thing is to get it finished and get it out there.

[@bingonight1504]

As someone in college for data science who needs to get a job to make it work this year, hearing about the Auntie Anne's era is really cool! Gives me hope and makes me feel like less of a loser for not having an internship yet

[@hf6384]

What a great story! It’s so great to find out the backstory of my favorite game creator. Thanks for posting this.

[@tensofdu1700]

His publisher only asked for 10%? They ask for 50% now (after Steam's cut that is)

[@Lightningkuriboh]

No way where does it say that

[@MerccreM15]

50% seems high, but usually cuts are decided based on hype of the game already. If the publisher has to work harder and spend more money, the cut will be higher. SV was already hyped before the publisher joiened in. 10% is a really great offer, but it's not like they had to do a whole lot to hype the game and it's not like it used to be where the publishers were responsible for the physical copies of the game which took money to do. Now that it''s all digital and not even on their servers, but steams, they don't have the overhead they used to have to publish games. Server cost's are a reason Steams cut is so high

[@BMoser-bv6kn]

@@MerccreM15 > Server cost's are a reason Steams cut is so high Monopoly and market capture is the reason Valve's cut is so high. You could have a nationalized alternative that only charges 3.5%, but nobody would ever use it because their library belongs to Valve. Being an internet landlord's a really sweet gig if you can hit the jackpot. Valve doesn't have to make a single new video game in their entire lives, and they'll continue raking in more profit than all other publishers and video game developers in the history of the human species combined.

[@melee5568]

A love just like Amber? No amount of iridium ores can surpsss that.

[@kairi8882]

it should be the common thing to expect from a partner

[@Wafflessss.s]

@@kairi8882 expected, but not entitled. Regardless of gender or circumstances. Flawed people arent deserving of such unconditional love, tho it isnt real love if you have to earn it too. It's complicated.

[@GlitchPawz]

This video is extremely high quality! How do you only have 46k subs!?!?

[@felix-the-mongoose]

This story is a perfect representation of how much we are loosing for having to live in "the grind," always in search of money to help with our basic needs. I'm not taking away any of his achievements, but he had a lot of help from his partner, and family. Most of us would not be able to spend 3 years without working to focus on a pashion project. If only we lived in a world were our basic needs were garanteed, and we would only have to work to get more fancy stuff, than imagine the imense new and improved things there would be. I don't even think it would all be games, but in every field. Science, archeology, maths, just improving stuff that would help us on the day to day, medicine. It's a shame we don't..

[@sectionsixty4020]

Smoking that good kush huh?

[@Worldfire_Interactive]

I working full time and working on a passion project, it’s not impossible. I honestly think if you can’t do it while surviving the grind then you were never going to do it anyways.

[@saddingus7850]

good for both of them. one followed his passion, and the other supported him during the process and eventually it worked out for them both. its a great story, wish there were more like this. great vid.

[@Faceplay2]

It’s a simple answer for people who work in creative fields, such as me being a film, Director. After you’re done, shooting your movie, you go into the editing bay and you sit there watching the same scene over and over and over again making notes making slight adjustments, so you sort of grow to hate your own project. It’s a experience that you cannot explain to someone unless they work in creative fields

[@MrWebon]

That also happens in non creative fields

[@Faceplay2]

@@MrWebon yeah but I’m saying it’s 1 for 1 for art because you are looking at the same thing over and over again

[@s0urce.ow0]

Amber is the true MVP of this story. They're sooo lucky to have found each other. That melted my heart

[@ghost_to_a_ghost]

as a metalhead that also rescues cute kittens and cuts hair for a living, i'm glad to hear that Eric is into that music. i kinda figured he was after hearing the breakdown toward the end of Sam, Sebby', and Abby's gig in Zuzu City. yes; i am 40 years old and Stardew Valley took my "best game ever" spot away from GTA: San Andreas after almost 16 years of it being my all-time favorite game. SA still owns the #2 slot. DOOM Eternal is a close third.

[@caitiethompson]

I literally don't know why this makes me cry

[@mikewebsdale4777]

Thank you so much for this video! I really appreciate listening to the breakdown of the backstory. Very fine work!!

[@conradsmith9441]

As a 26 year old guy with a degree in Biochemistry, this story is inspiring and relatable. I got really good grades and I am smart, but I'm not looking forward to the grind of a Chemistry PhD. I'm single, working almost a minimum wage job, and luckily living with my grandpa rent free. I am currently stuck because I know that where I am currently and where I am headed is not what I want. ' This is an encouraging story though and maybe I'll go out and try some things I have been putting off. I want to at least try standup comedy and/or start a KZbin/Podcast. I'm just trying to figure out what I can offer that will stand out and actually make a difference. Sometimes I feel like we already have enough people that want to be famous influencers. Truth is I don't care about fame at all. I just want enough money to get out of my grandpa's house, find a wife/start a family, and live a decently comfortable life without having a job I hate and having to worry about money. Maybe that is too much to ask for in the modern world though. I love talking to people, giving speeches, debating, teaching, making people laugh, and learning new things. Finding a job that makes decent money doing that is hard unless you get famous.

[@4thSenseEvolution]

His life sounds so much like my life now... Thank you for the video. This really gives me an encouragement.

[@ViRusSTaR4]

God this is so me...everyone tells me the game I've been working on for years is going to be good...I totally feel that same anxiety and I'm not sure if I'm on the right path...maybe my story will be on this youtube someday...

[@German-md1xc]

"He tried to trick him by printing the fibonacci sequence instead of having the computer do the math", guy was already thinking like a game developer.

[@Frauke_M]

I was one of it´s first Palyers back then. I loved the Game so much. When I heard that it was only one who developed and made this Game I immediately knew, this must be an exceptional Person, and I felt a kind of Love for him. I felt it thru his Game. And right I was. God bless Eric Barone and his Angel of a Wife! What beautyfull Souls to have on Earth. We need People like this.

[@Squallcloud95]

I never played Stardew valley but this video was so entertaining! It's nice that Eric (and Amber) hard work payed off in the end but i hope he can work he less stressful/healthy way now.

[@Melissa.Garrett]

I can’t recommend it enough. It really is designed to appeal to almost everyone.

[@buraksirma98]

Amazing video. Nice script, good presentation and great editing/research. Well done! It was great to watch the video.

[@Nellooo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@NoOne-fe3gc]

AMazing video, and really important. It is usually overlooked ConcernedApe's background when ppl talk about "solo indie dev can mae a huge hit like Stardew Valley". Eric had A LOT of background in all areas. This is not meant to discourage people, but do keep your expectations in check, and never give up =)

[@SurfaceImpz]

I was really shocked when I saw the view count. Goated video.

[@chelscara]

Honestly was really relieved when he finally got a part time job. 😅 Amber likely needed a break from the stress whether she wants to admit it or not from being the breadwinner and the sunny Linda to his Bob while going to school on top of it all. I’m glad they were able to work so hard together ❤

[@Rune_Daddy69]

Great video as always dude! Amazing how deep you go in your research. ❤

[@Nellooo]

Thank you!! Glad you enjoyed it

[@AwareOCE]

Really well done documentary! Nice vid man!

[@ulthea]

Thanks so much for sharing. I've watched a few videos about this awesome creator but this felt far more informative and flowed so well that I actually felt close to tears as you described his slow journey to success. Well done to him (and his amazing girlfriend/family) and now to you for sharing his story 😊

[@mr.jawjo2377]

Im a computer science student and Eric's story motivates me a lot, Thank you for this content

[@LOGYBEATS]

this actually almost brought a tear to my eye, what a great story

[@ZTrigger85]

I loved this. Very humanizing. Great video!

[@hiss9989]

My parents were idiots who told me I could do ANYTHING I wanted, never gave me any direction or positive feedback, never explored or encouraged any of my talents, and kept saying "just do whatever you wanna do" up until I joined uni. I dropped out. Then my country went bankrupt. Fun.

[@CyberLou]

Your whole country?

[@WaldemarvanWyk]

Lebanon?

[@fr3ddyfr3sh]

Chucklefish actually helping him to release and port the game, without screwing it or him up, brings back some hope for publishers.

[@Rose_J]

Great story, thanks! I love Stardew Valley and it’s nice to know a bit more about its origins.

[@WyvernLord11th]

I played Stardew before and never knew that this game was a one-man made, what a legend, props to Amber for supporting him so much. I don't play Stardew anymore but I still love all the moments I spent in the game, it was one of the few and likely rare of a gem game that makes me really appriciated all the effort that was put in to make such a memorable genre of a game.

[@Pirogok01]

What a great and inspiring video ty for posting !❤ loved your commentary and editing really interesting to watch

[@Nellooo]

Thank you so much!

[@Haexxchen]

The last 5min of this video got me teared up. I am SO happy for him/them. Well deserved!

[@Emily-qu3ty]

What a inspring story. May god bless this couple with all the happiness they deserve. ❤

[@Ketsuki_WoW]

This was an amazing video, what an amazing story. I learned so much and I already had such an appreciation for ConceredApe that I didn't think could exceed that but this video has pushed that further. Thank you for this.

[@oOblackeaglleOo]

This was a beautiful story. Made me cry. What an accomplishment.

[@anderskt3613]

Eric sounds like such a great dude. I'm curious, did you talk to him at any point? You really managed to dig it all up, well played! :) Thanks for diving into this and making a great video. I don't even play the game and watched the whole thing. Keep doing exactly what you're doing, your energy and approach is appealing. :) You just got yourself a new sub!

[@Nellooo]

I briefly spoke with him over email, but only about what happened to his Toyota Camry :) Thanks for subscribing!!

[@kettu9943]

I actually started crying while watching this - thank you so much for this wonderful video!

[@Nellooo]

So glad you enjoyed it!

[@kettu9943]

@@Nellooo How could I not? This is just amazing, keep doin what you're doin! :D

[@natefoldan]

Fantastic video. And this perfectly explains what it's like being a solo game dev. I followed Stardew Valley for years before it was released and bought it the day it was. Very interesting to see the story behind it.

[@Pedrerrique]

Amazing video, thank you so much!

[@bettybeee]

Glad to see Amber getting the recognition she deserves!

[@BelleZobel]

"With enough persistence..." and support and an absurd amount of luck. If Stardew Valley had been lost in the sheer volume of Steam releases, which happens to a lot of games, the story could have ended very sadly. Stardew Valley is an absolute exception - a success story among thousands that have failed.

[@PuppetDev]

I'd be the first to admit that I'm legit angry at how easy things were going for him. However, I think it's more useful to look at his story and learn from it. In his case, he obviously saw he had a stable and welcoming family where he COULD take his time. A partner that was willing to support him. Friends to move in with etc. He saw it and he used it. Yes, you won't be able to do the same, but why do you have to? I think the lesson here is to look at yourself and your environment and act accordingly. You'd be surprised how much you can actually do. Or maybe you'd realize how little you can do, in which case you can continue on in with more peace of mind instead of lamenting over the idea of making a successful game or whatnot.

[@logixindie]

This is such an incredible story. I still haven't played yet (waiting for the 1.6 update). I'm excited to experience this years worth of talents from mostly a single individual.

[@dundesys]

What a story! Mate u did a great job comentating everything about Eric!

[@Nellooo]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Blind_Hawk]

Even if it is about Eric we gonna need *H U G E* respects to Amber being a real one here. Eric is the embodiment of a Gigachad.

[@stillblue2383]

Stardew Valley is still one of my favorite games, so happy he stuck with his dream!

[@kartoffelhexe]

As someone who bought SDV only a few days or weeks after its release, I also had no idea back in the day how much it would blow up. I am so proud of Eric ♥

[@littlepumpkinp]

This is an awesome video! Thank you!

[@lswallie]

When you say perseverance can get you anywhere in life, you meant to say that if you have an Amber in your life you can go anywhere

[@user-ho7mc9dt2o]

Thank you for this. Wow.

[@hiiambarney4489]

Damn, when the bit came up with Amber and how she didn't feel they had enough interaction even though she supported him, that hit really close to home. I was in this exact same scenario and my then fiance wasn't having it, after 15 years almost on the day, no less. I lost my home, became homeless for a couple of month with nothing but my computer to my name stored away at my old place until it was rennovated. It broke me and completely denied any and every progress I had made on the game, both physically and mentally. She took the Dog that I basically inherited from my Dad after he passed at age 50 from cancer so I had nothing to cling on anymore.

[@thatfancyguy869]

As someone working solo on a game, this has been a massive inspiration to start working on it more than I used to and not worry about polishing it to a mirror finish before I'm satisfied with it. Fantastic video, thank you.

[@Araylie]

We are each our own worst critic

[@ColonelloRS]

Wow, what a cool guy!

[@spiritofnex]

You're such a goober.

[@gamerboi_27]

Thanks for the rundown on the history of Barone's journey to explosive success. It's super inspiring for other indie devs. I almost cried because I'm also in a committed relationship and am planning to release something when I'm proud of it. He's the hero we needed for the farming immersive sim genre. I'm not surprised that the job market is tough after college. Despite getting the degree and everything, I currently work 2 jobs and game dev on the side. This is truly eye-opening and once again inspiring because he proved that it IS possible to succeed through your own means.

[@ejc5million]

I freaking love Eric, a HUGE inspiration to me, right now I started working on my own solo indie games and following in Erics footsteps, im using a more modern but pretty much XNA how it was back then, monogame. I love him as a person and his work so much and hey, maybe one day my games will be even a little popular haha.

[@KindaLeon]

My wife loves sdv

[@eggzuki]

why does this video look so high quality with 4k views 😭

[@kodacreamcheese3103]

He’s a big RuneScape KZbinr, he has quite a bit of experience and success on his channel colonello

[@atlantic_love]

God, what a great video. Tremendous success story that I just loved hearing about, thank you!