Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley business and news from across the web.
"Game Pass Starter Edition" For Discord Nitro Members LeaksA leak suggests that Discord Nitro members will soon receive a 'Game Pass Starter Edition' offering over 50 games and 10 hours of Xbox Cloud streaming per month. The leaked art also indicates titles like Gears 5, Dishonored 2, and Fallout 4 could be included. Microsoft has been contacted for comment regarding this potential new tier of Game Pass.
Peter Molyneux has made a proper game again rather than a monetization experiment, and I really hope he finishes itMasters of Albion, the latest game from Peter Molyneux's studio 22cans, blends god game mechanics with tower defense and action RPG elements. The game features a charming art style and humor reminiscent of Fable, but suffers from awkward controls, a messy UI, and poor performance, particularly on Steam Deck. Despite these early access issues, the article suggests significant potential if Molyneux can see the project through to completion.
Ubisoft Killed Their Animal Crossing Competitor , Why It MattersUbisoft has canceled a life-simulation game that was inspired by Animal Crossing, without providing an explanation. This decision highlights a trend of major publishers becoming risk-averse, prioritizing games with massive profit potential over innovative or niche titles. The cancellation suggests a broken system where publishers are less willing to invest in games that don't fit the AAA blockbuster model, pushing more creative endeavors towards indie developers.- Why Autosave Games Are the Only Games Parents Play | TAGThis article argues that autosave functionality is the most crucial feature for parents playing video games, especially in 2026. It highlights games like Slay the Spire 2, Balatro, and Cyberpunk 2077 for their robust autosave systems, while cautioning against titles with infrequent or manual save points, which can lead to significant progress loss due to unpredictable interruptions.
- 8 Single-Player Games With Honest Save Points (2026) | TAGThis guide highlights eight single-player games with save systems that respect players' time, allowing for short gaming sessions. Titles like Slay the Spire 2, Celeste, and Balatro offer near-instantaneous saves, while games such as Disco Elysium and Cyberpunk 2077 provide save-anywhere functionality. Other games like Stardew Valley, Dave the Diver, and Hades II save at natural breaks in their gameplay loops.
- 30-Minute Gaming Session: 12 Games That Respect Time | TAGThis guide highlights 12 video games designed for short play sessions, catering to busy adults who can only dedicate around 30 minutes to gaming. It features titles like Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Hades II, and Rocket League, emphasizing games with natural stopping points, quick progression, and autosave features. The article also discusses what makes a game 'time-respecting' and provides recommendations for different time constraints and play styles.
- 8 Games Worth Returning To in 2026 (Plot Optional) | TAGThis guide highlights eight games suitable for players returning after a long break, focusing on titles with minimal plot baggage or robust in-game recap features. Games like Hades II, Slay the Spire 2, and Minecraft are recommended for their roguelike or sandbox nature, while Baldur's Gate 3 and Cyberpunk 2077 offer strong journal and codex systems for resuming RPGs. Elden Ring: Nightreign and Stardew Valley are also included for their forgiving mechanics and clear progression.
Drop-In, Drop-Out: Best Games for Unpredictable Schedules | TAGThis guide highlights games suitable for players with unpredictable schedules, focusing on titles that allow for easy pausing and resuming without penalty. It emphasizes features like frequent autosaves, low memory burden, and self-contained sessions. Games like Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley, and Forza Horizon 5 are recommended for their interruptible nature, while console features like Xbox Quick Resume and Nintendo Switch Sleep Mode are noted as crucial aids.
Petit Planet Preview – Taking a cosy break from your Genshin ImpactPetit Planet is a new life simulation game from HoYoverse, moving away from their typical gacha RPGs like Genshin Impact. It focuses on cozy gameplay inspired by titles like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, where players nurture their own planetoid. The game features deep character stories and social elements, with players managing resources and interacting with neighbors.
Will you like Graveyard Keeper if you're a Stardew Valley and farm sim fan?This article compares Graveyard Keeper to Stardew Valley, exploring whether fans of the latter would enjoy the former, especially with a sequel announced. It highlights similarities in farming and crafting, but notes Graveyard Keeper's darker themes, complex crafting system, and focus on cemetery management over character relationships. The author concludes that while it shares core mechanics with farm sims, its unique grind and dark humor make it a distinct experience.
Indie Pass adds cozy new Stardew Valley style game The Abbess GardenThe Abbess Garden, a cozy life simulation game set in 17th-century France, has been added to the Indie Pass subscription service. Published by indie.io and developed by MD Studio, the game tasks players with tending a garden while uncovering secrets and interacting with historical figures. Indie Pass aims to improve discoverability for indie titles.
Typing Farmer officially launches with 38 crops and cozy multiplayer farmingTyping Farmer has officially launched out of early access, blending typing practice with cozy farming simulation elements. The game features 38 crops, 13 animal types, and introduces multiplayer functionality. Developer synda has also implemented quality-of-life improvements based on community feedback, including drawing tablet support and a simple mode.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – April 19, 2026 – Mouse: P.I. For Hire and Pragmata off to strong startsThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of April 19, 2026, show Mouse: P.I. For Hire and Pragmata off to strong starts, ranking second and third respectively. Pokemon Pokopia holds the top spot, while Pragmata's Deluxe Edition also charted in the top ten.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 18, 2026 – Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream launches on topThe Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 18, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the top spot after its official launch. Several other popular titles like Super Mario Galaxy, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and various Pokémon games also feature prominently in the rankings.
Among us hits over 1 billion downloads on the Google Play Store: 'I'm gonna barf in a vent, this is so…Among Us has surpassed one billion downloads on the Google Play Store, a milestone announced by developer Innersloth. The social deduction game, which saw a massive surge in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to maintain a significant reach years after its initial release. This download count exceeds that of many other popular titles, including Minecraft, Stardew Valley, and Terraria.- Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream ReviewTomodachi Life: Living the Dream offers a humorous and engaging life simulation experience, building upon its predecessor with significantly deeper Mii and island customization options. While the core gameplay loop involves managing the happiness and lives of created characters, the game's primary strength lies in its absurdist comedy and the unpredictable interactions between a diverse cast of Miis. Despite a lack of online sharing features and some limitations on the Nintendo Switch, the game provides a unique and entertaining experience for those willing to invest time in its creative systems.
Games Inbox: Are retro games better than modern gaming?Readers debate whether retro games are superior to modern gaming, citing the current industry's perceived issues and long waits between major releases. While some appreciate the raw excitement of older titles, others acknowledge the advancements in technology and gameplay offered by contemporary games, including indie titles and remakes like Resident Evil 4.
Nintendo reveals Europe’s best-selling digital games for March 2026Nintendo has released the top 15 best-selling digital games in Europe for March 2026 across both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Pokemon Pokopia secured the top spot, followed by the new release Monster Hunter Stories 3. The list includes a variety of popular titles across both console generations.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – April 12, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia leads, Pragmata approachesThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of April 12, 2026, show Pokemon Pokopia leading sales. Pragmata is also making a strong showing with pre-loads beginning. The charts detail top-selling games and download-only titles on the platform.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – April 11, 2026 – Tomodachi Life and Pokemon Champions square off for firstThe Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of April 11, 2026, show Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream taking the top spot based on pre-loads alone, with Pokemon Champions and its Starter Pack in second place. The charts detail the top 30 all-games and download-only titles, featuring a mix of new releases and evergreen bestsellers.