The world of video games has received a pleasant surprise with the release of the mod Baldur’s Village, which transforms the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley into an experience inspired by the RPG Baldur’s Gate 3. This mod, developed by the modder known as Xun, adds a new and extensive map to the north of Pelican Town, adding six new locations and more than 20 characters, including romanceable NPCs that enrich the gameplay. A mod that is taking the community by storm Since its release just two days ago, Baldur’s Village has managed to capture the attention of the community, accumulating 11,000 […]
The world of video games has received a pleasant surprise with the release of the mod Baldur’s Village, which transforms the beloved farming simulation game Stardew Valley into an experience inspired by the RPG Baldur’s Gate 3. This mod, developed by the modder known as Xun, adds a new and extensive map to the north of Pelican Town, adding six new locations and more than 20 characters, including romanceable NPCs that enrich the gameplay.
A mod that is taking the community by storm
Since its launch just two days ago, Baldur’s Village has managed to capture the attention of the community, accumulating 11,000 downloads and over 80,000 views. Sits popularity is due not only to the faithful adaptation of characters and elements from the Baldur’s Gate 3 universe but also to dynamic events and shops with unique items that transform the gaming experience in Stardew Valley.
The director of Baldur’s Gate 3, Swen Vincke, has not hesitated to praise Xun’s work, highlighting the dedication and quality of the mod. “So much love was put into this! Incredible work!” he wrote in an online post, which has deeply resonated with Xun, who thanked the director’s words, noting that he has always been a source of inspiration.
With its innovative approach, Baldur’s Village could be on its way to becoming one of the best mods in the Stardew Valley community, alongside well-known projects like Cornucopia and Stardew Valley Expanded. Fans are now hoping that Xun continues to develop the mod, incorporating more aspects of the Forgotten Realms into the peaceful Pelican Town.
Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone, the developer of Stardew Valley, continues to provide excellent support and updates for his successful title. However, amidst these efforts, mods have emerged as an appealing way to enrich the gaming experience for those players using PC. One of the most recent is The Forgotten Woods, created by the user Azathii on the NexusMods platform. A mod that generously expands the game. This mod introduces several new areas that expand the original game map, offering players additional opportunities to forage and explore. Among the new zones are […]
Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone, the developer of Stardew Valley, continues to provide excellent support and updates for his successful title. However, amidst these efforts, mods have emerged as an appealing way to enrich the gaming experience for those players using PC. One of the most recent is The Forgotten Woods, created by the user Azathii on the NexusMods platform.
A mod that generously expands the game
This mod introduces several new areas that expand the original game map, offering players additional opportunities to forage and explore. Among the new zones are Forgotten Farm, Forgotten Hill, and Forgotten Shrine, each designed to enrich the gathering and adventure experience within the world of Stardew Valley.
Players who venture into these new areas may discover regenerative trees, berry bushes, and a new type of fishing, all elements that add depth to the game. Additionally, six hidden areas are included where adventurers can find unique treasures, as well as a five-part treasure hunt that culminates in obtaining a sword that cannot be acquired in the base game.
The creator of the mod, Azathii, recommends players to be on the lookout for any object that resembles a note or plaque, as these often contain clues about secret areas. He also suggests paying attention to the stones on the ground, which can guide them to new hidden places.
For those interested, the mod The Forgotten Woods is available for free on NexusMods, allowing Stardew Valley players to experience an exciting expansion in their game. Undoubtedly, this addition promises to keep fans entertained while they wait for future updates from Barone.
Ralph Koster, recognized for his work as a lead developer on Ultima Online and director on Star Wars Galaxies, has expressed his concerns about the state of MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games). In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Koster stated that the genre has been in a stagnation since 2004, with a notable lack of innovation. According to him, the model established by World of Warcraft has limited the diversity of titles, maintaining a dominance that has reduced the creative scope that used to characterize MMORPGs. Koster points out that, although some genres, such as simulators […]
Ralph Koster, recognized for his work as a lead developer on Ultima Online and director on Star Wars Galaxies, has expressed his concerns about the state of MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games). In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Koster stated that the genre has been in a stagnation since 2004, with a notable lack of innovation. According to him, the model established by World of Warcraft has limited the diversity of titles, maintaining a dominance that has reduced the creative scope that used to characterize MMORPGs.
Koster points out that, although some genres, such as open-world survival simulators, have incorporated less visible features in current MMORPGs, it is the cozy games—non-violent games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley—that have emerged as an alternative in this space. These games have managed to offer experiences based on creativity and socialization, aspects that have been disappearing from more traditional MMORPGs, where elements such as player housing, user-driven economies, and social activities have significantly decreased.
He is developing his own MMORPG
Now, as CEO of Playable Worlds, Koster is developing a new game titled Stars Reach, which aims to modernize classic MMORPG concepts and respond to the demand for more immersive parallel worlds. According to Koster, this new title will not simply replicate the features of MMORPGs from 20 years ago, but will focus on satisfying a “huge appetite” for more engaging and connected gaming experiences, similar to those seen in Sword Art Online and the previously mentioned games.
Una nueva edición física de Stardew Valley para Nintendo Switch fue lanzada recientemente, desarrollada en colaboración con Bored Ape y Fangamer. Esta edición se presenta como una opción atractiva para los coleccionistas, ya que incluye un cómic y un título exclusivo, convirtiéndola en un artículo codiciado para los fanáticos del juego
A new physical edition of Stardew Valley for Nintendo Switch has recently been released, developed in collaboration with Bored Ape and Fangamer. This edition is presented as an attractive option for collectors, as it includes a comic and an exclusive title, making it a coveted item for fans of the game.
In the same spirit of exploration and creativity, Iron Valley has been developed, a free hack of a tabletop role-playing game inspired by Stardew Valley. Designed for solo play, Iron Valley utilizes the mechanics of the Ironsworn and Starforged systems, allowing players to immerse themselves in an agricultural experience in a completely new way. This game is accessible for those looking for a complement to the original experience in a tabletop role-playing format.
The Iron Valley rulebook, which has 244 pages, offers a comprehensive guide that covers everything from farming and livestock breeding to establishing relationships with the game’s characters. One of the most notable features is the progression system that allows players to fulfill promises and gain the favor of the Townies, thus enriching the gaming experience. This allows for memorable moments and deepens the interaction with the virtual world.
For video game enthusiasts, community resources have been developed, such as a Townies generator, which facilitates customization and expands the possibilities within Iron Valley. In addition, for those looking to expand their agricultural experience, there are several alternatives similar to Stardew Valley that offer new and exciting game dynamics.
When you go to have a coffee at a fancy place, do you think about the possibilities that café might have? The studio Sunny Syrup has presented its new game called Not Monday Cafe, an idle café management proposal that promises to attract fans of kawaii game titles. This new release, which shares a pixel art aesthetic similar to Stardew Valley, focuses on creating and managing a charming café, differentiating itself by its focus on management and not on farming. / A pistachio latte flat foam iced, for […]
When you go to have a coffee at a fancy place, do you think about the possibilities that café might have? The studio Sunny Syrup has presented its new game called Not Monday Cafe, a café management proposal in idle mode that promises to attract fans of kawaii game titles. This new release, which shares a pixel art aesthetic similar to Stardew Valley, focuses on creating and managing a charming café, differentiating itself by its focus on management and not on farming.
The player will have the opportunity to design their own establishment, hire the staff that will attend to the customers, and grow fresh ingredients on a nearby farm. Unlike other more labor-intensive games of the genre, Not Monday Cafe allows users to relax and watch their team work while they perform other tasks on their computer. According to the game’s description, it is designed to be played in the background of your screen, which encourages a gaming experience that complements other daily activities without interrupting them.
Not Monday Cafe also stands out for offering a free demo on Steam, which will allow players to try the game before its official release, whose date is yet to be announced. This demo is available as part of the Steam Idler Fest, which celebrates games of this type. In this context, enthusiasts of the genre will be able to find multiple demos that align with the game’s theme.
While Not Monday Cafe sounds like a relaxing title, remember that it’s important to maintain balance and not get distracted during activities that require full attention, such as classes or work meetings. With the promise of a cozy and relaxing game, this new release is generating expectations among fans of management titles.
The recent passing of David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker and creator of the iconic series Twin Peaks, saddened us all and has sparked a wave of tributes from his fans worldwide in the form of film cycles or rewatching his movies. Known for his surreal style and complex narratives, Lynch left an indelible mark on pop culture, and his legacy now extends into the realm of video games. Who killed Laura Palmer? In this context, the popular game Stardew Valley has received a new mod titled Stardew Peaks, which […]
The recent passing of David Lynch, the acclaimed filmmaker and creator of the iconic series Twin Peaks, saddened us all and has sparked a torrent of tributes from his followers around the world in the form of film cycles or re-watching his movies. Known for his surreal style and complex narratives, Lynch left an indelible mark on pop culture, and his legacy now extends to the realm of video games.
In this context, the popular game Stardew Valley has received a new mod titled Stardew Peaks, which introduces players to the enigmatic world of Twin Peaks. Developed by TariVendice, this mod adds the mystical location of Twin Peaks to the universe of the farming simulator, allowing players to explore new locations, characters, and events inspired by the series for its contribution to television narrative.
Stardew Peaks includes a total of 13 new maps, two shops, four non-playable characters (NPCs), and various fishing and gathering areas, enriching the gaming experience. The official description of the mod highlights that its goal is to bring the cozy Americana (and a bit of the strange mystique) of Twin Peaks to Stardew Valley. This work is in progress, and the creator is expected to implement more content in future updates, including three new maps, additional events, or custom items.
As Twin Peaks fans revisit the series following Lynch’s death, Stardew Peaks offers a new way to experience the gripping narrative and the filmmaker’s characteristic surrealism. This combination of video games and cinema demonstrates how David Lynch’s legacy continues to inspire new generations and the gaming community.
A player has reached a remarkable milestone by opening Stardew Valley 10,000 times, an achievement recognized by its creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, through a special in-game message. Upon starting the title, Oprima found the surprising note that said: “You have started this game 10,000 times! I’m impressed – Ape.” This easter egg is part of a system designed by Barone that triggers messages based on the number of times a player starts the game, also showing recognition to those who have reached 100 or 1,000 entries. Since its release in 2016, Stardew Valley has […]
A player has reached a remarkable milestone by opening Stardew Valley 10,000 times, an achievement that has been recognized by its creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, through a special in-game message. Upon starting the title, Oprima found the surprising note that said: “You have started this game 10,000 times! I’m impressed – Ape”. This easter egg is part of a system designed by Barone that triggers messages based on the number of times a player starts the game, also showing acknowledgments to those who have reached 100 or 1,000 entries.
Since its launch in 2016, Stardew Valley has sold over 41 million copies, highlighting its ongoing success and popularity in the video game industry. Despite being nearly a decade old, the game maintains a vast community that continues to explore new features and updates, as well as the creation and use of mods, which could explain the number of times Oprima has opened the game. Reddit users have speculated about the hours the player might have dedicated to this experience, with estimates exceeding 20,000 hours. However, it has also been suggested that the number of openings could be due to testing various modifications available for the game.
Stardew Valley has not only provoked an emotional response in its community, but it has also proven to be a sales phenomenon, remaining relevant in a market crowded with new releases. With a focus on farm management and social simulation, the title has managed to cultivate not only the attention of players but also an unwavering dedication from the community, which continues to discover hidden values and achievements within the game.
It has happened to all of us: you’ve spent your life doing one thing the same way, which you’re good at, and you’re afraid to change in case it was the only thing you were good at and the world is about to discover that you’re a fraud. This is what happens to Eric Barone, director of Stardew Valley, a game he has been working on for eight years after its official release. And he continues to announce new features and updates: after selling 30 million copies worldwide, he resists leaving that which […]
It has happened to all of us: you have dedicated your life to doing one thing the same way, which you are good at, and you are afraid to change in case it was the only thing you were good at and the world is about to discover that you are a fraud. This is what happens to Eric Barone, director of Stardew Valley, a game he has been working on for eight years since its official release. And he continues to announce new features and updates: after selling 30 million copies worldwide, he resists leaving what makes him happy. Who can blame him?
Although Barone announced his new project, Haunted Chocolatier, in October 2021, we have had little information about it since then. In his blog, he has talked about the big problem he is having making new projects while still providing material to Stardew Valley fans: “It’s a bit sad to see how Haunted Chocolatier gathers dust on the shelf… but that is the reality of my situation,” he comments.
And, if you think about it, it makes sense: “Stardew Valley is a big and popular game, and I am very attached to it. I also have a very strong sense of duty and obligation towards everyone who has bought it over the years, allowing me this strange opportunity to be an indie game developer. So it’s hard to “let go” of Stardew, even temporarily, to work on something that is not established or means anything to people.” In other words, he doesn’t dare to take the leap. And, frankly, it’s normal.
According to Barone, although he has done a lot of work on his new game, he still has much to do before it can be released, and by then, it is likely that we will have had several new updates for Stardew Valley. He is a millionaire and dedicating himself to what he loves, yes, but at what price?
Pero nunca, jamás, ha calificado ninguna de ellas como DLC ni ha instado a los jugadores a pagar. Y, según ha afirmado, seguirá siendo así para siempre. Ya has pagado por el juego, no hace falta que sigas rascando tu cartera.
‘Stardew Valley’ was released on February 26, 2016, and since then it has continued to amaze both loyal fans and first-time players. Its creator, Eric Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, had not yet reached the age of 30 and already had a unique idea: create a never-ending farm simulator game, so players could create their perfect farm at their own pace, without any pressure. Today it is considered one of the best video games in history. And rightfully so.
After selling over 30 million copies, Barone has continued to release different updates – some huge, others small. But he has never, ever labeled any of them as DLC or forced players to pay for these updates. And, according to him, it will remain that way forever. You have already paid for the game, there is no need to keep digging into your wallet.
According to his statement on Twitter, “I swear on the honor of my family name that I will never charge for a DLC or an update as long as I live. Take a screenshot of this and humiliate me if I ever break this oath.” Meanwhile, at his own pace, he continues to work on his next game, ‘Haunted Chocolatier,’ which has no release date, but its pixel art style promises to have some connection with his flagship game.
By the way, he has stated on more than one occasion that if it were up to him, he would spend the rest of his life improving ‘Stardew Valley,’ but at some point he has to make a move. A glimmer of hope that makes us believe perhaps there is still something beautiful in the world of video games.
The creator of Stardew Valley, Eric Barone, is working on a new game, Haunted Chocolatier, and we tell you everything we know.
The latest update of Stardew Valley has given many people an excuse to return to the game. Reaching new peaks of simultaneous players, this farm simulator published in 2016 has become the main reference in the genre. And with good reason. With beautiful art, excellent gameplay loop, and learning the necessary lessons from the early Harvest Moon games, it is a game that knows how to perfectly weave its ingredients to be attractive.
Now, the game is already eight years old; it is normal for people to be already waiting for the next thing from the people who created it in the first place. Even if those people are just one person, since he created it alone and has refused to have practically any other external help. Because its developer, Eric Barone, has confirmed that despite the success of Stardew Valley, which has made him a millionaire, he does not plan to stop working on video games and do it alone. Hence, we already know about the existence of his next game.
As avid fans of Barone’s work already know, his new game is called Haunted Chocolatier. And although we don’t know a whole lot about it yet, we’re going to try to summarize everything we know so far. Because if Stardew Valley has been a huge success, there’s no doubt that Haunted Chocolatier also has the potential to be.
The main reason to have faith in Haunted Chocolatier is that anyone who has seen its trailer will have noticed something obvious: its similarities with Stardew Valley. In addition to having a similar artistic style, the game has certain mechanics similar to those of its first successful game. It seems that in Haunted Chocolatier we will also plant, harvest, and manufacture some of our resources. But that’s not all.
Something that Barone has confirmed and wanted to insist on is that Haunted Chocolatier is not a sequel or an extension of Stardew Valley. This becomes evident from the moment he confirmed that it would be an action RPG, with a particular emphasis on two specific elements: combat and exploration. Of course, collecting ingredients, making chocolate, and running our chocolate shop will still be the main core of the game, so Stardew Valley fans will feel right at home here.
Something they also have in common is their premise. Both in Stardew Valley and Haunted Chocolatier, we will be a newcomer who has to take care of a business. The difference will be that in one it was a farm, in the other it will be a chocolate shop and factory, with an added element: Barone’s intention with Haunted Chocolatier is to explore certain fantasy elements in a deeper way, whereas in Stardew Valley he wanted to keep everything more grounded in reality.
That being said, we already know five characters, named Lily, Burk, Maddie, Jett, and Miguel, of which we still don’t know what their role will be within the story. Although if Stardew Valley serves as a reference, they will surely be more than they seem and we will end up getting to know them in depth throughout the game.
The latest details we know about the game is that it is being developed for PC and that Barone started working on the game at some point in 2020. While we have a trailer, as well as some videos and screenshots, we don’t know its release date or if it will be released on other platforms. But what we do know for sure is that Haunted Chocolatier will be one of the candidates for game of the year when it finally comes out.
