Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley business and news from across the web.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
PlayStation killing discs is bad for everyone, whether you care about physical games or notSony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs in 2028 is a significant loss for consumers, impacting game preservation and the used games market. While digital distribution benefits publishers, the end of physical media raises concerns about long-term game access, potential surveillance pricing, and Sony's complete control over its ecosystem.
Amber Isle Switch Review - A Chaotic Cozy Sim with Broken Performance | Invision Game CommunityAmber Isle is a cozy shopkeeping simulation game with a charming prehistoric theme and deep character customization, but its Nintendo Switch port suffers from significant performance issues. The game offers a delightful experience with engaging writing and world design, however, frequent frame rate drops, object pop-in, and stability problems detract from the intended relaxing atmosphere. While the PC version may offer a smoother experience, the Switch version is difficult to recommend in its current state.
"I torture myself over every last detail": Stardew Valley's creator is having a real time of it with Haunted Chocolatier's recipe book interfaceConcernedApe, the creator of Stardew Valley, shared insights into the development of his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, specifically detailing the challenges of designing its recipe book interface. He emphasized the need for the UI to be seamless, clear, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing, requiring numerous iterations to achieve perfection. Barone also apologized for the lack of new screenshots, likening them to 'half-baked bread' and stating he doesn't need to market the game aggressively.
Haunted Chocolatier fans don't have fresh screenshots to fawn over because Eric Barone says sharing them mid-development 'feels like serving half-baked bread'Developer Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, explained his reluctance to share screenshots or detailed system explanations for Haunted Chocolatier during its development. He likens it to serving 'half-baked bread,' preferring to present a finished product to avoid disappointing players. Barone also noted that the game is taking longer than expected due to its larger scope compared to Stardew Valley and his perfectionist approach.
Haunted Chocolatier’s Long Development Comes Down To Chasing PerfectionEric "ConcernedApe" Barone, developer of Haunted Chocolatier, discussed the game's lengthy development in a recent blog post, attributing the delay to a pursuit of perfection in core gameplay elements. He emphasized the need for mechanics like chocolate making to be seamless and intuitive, explaining that this iterative process is why he has been hesitant to reveal too much about the game before its eventual release.- 6 Vacation Week Games to Finish Before Flying Home | TAGThis guide recommends six games that can be completed within a 5-10 hour playtime, ideal for finishing during a week-long vacation. It emphasizes narrative-driven and handheld-compatible titles like Inside, Stray, A Short Hike, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Firewatch, with Outer Wilds suggested for longer vacations. The article also provides advice on session structure, device choice, and avoiding common vacation gaming pitfalls.
- 'I Torture Myself Over Every Last Detail' — Stardew Valley Creator ConcernedApe Says He's 'Still Here, Still Grinding' on Haunted ChocolatierConcernedApe, the creator of Stardew Valley, has provided an update on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier, assuring fans that development is ongoing despite the long wait. He cited his meticulous approach to game development as the reason for the extended production time.
"Yep," Haunted Chocolatier creator ConcernedApe is "still working on the game" – but he doesn't want to give too much away: "I would rather serve a fully baked bread"ConcernedApe, the creator of Stardew Valley, has provided an update on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier, stating that development is ongoing but he prefers to share details only when the game is closer to completion. He likens the process to baking bread, wanting to serve a fully baked product rather than a half-baked one, and acknowledges that the game is taking a long time to develop due to its scope and his desire for perfection in every aspect.
Eric Barone gives players a small update on Haunted Chocolatier's progress: 'It’s not a simple task, as I torture myself over every last detail'Developer Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, provided an update on Haunted Chocolatier, acknowledging the slow progress due to his meticulous attention to detail. He emphasized that the game will be larger than Stardew Valley and that he is iterating on core mechanics like chocolate making to ensure a seamless and satisfying player experience.
Haunted Chocolatier is taking a long time because it "has to be perfect," creator Eric Barone explains: "I torture myself over every last detail"Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, explained that Haunted Chocolatier is taking a long time to develop because he is meticulously focusing on perfecting every detail to ensure a seamless and delightful player experience. He is reluctant to share too many screenshots until the game is closer to completion, preferring to present a fully realized product rather than a "half-baked bread."
Haunted Chocolatier is "taking a long time," admits Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe – but going "over every last detail" is just what it takes "to make a game I'm satisfied with"Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, has provided an update on his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, acknowledging that development is taking a long time due to his meticulous attention to detail. He aims for every aspect of the game to be seamless, clear, and satisfying, comparing the process to perfecting the chocolate recipe book. Barone also dedicates time to the 1.7 update for Stardew Valley.
The best farm sim since Stardew Valley is on sale right before its 1.0 launchFields of Mistria, a farm simulation game inspired by magical girl anime, is currently available at a 20% discount during the Steam Summer Sale, priced at $11.19. The game is set to launch its full 1.0 version on August 5th, after which its price will remain $14.99, with no increase planned by developer NPC Studio.
Ex-Fable devs' Stardew Valley-like is coming to consoles in AugustKynseed, a life simulation game developed by PixelCount Studios, featuring former Fable developers, is launching on consoles including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on August 4. The game, often compared to Stardew Valley, will include a new tavern management system, a feature highly requested by the PC community.
Now we know how much GTA 6 costs, but can you remember what these other games cost at launch? Take our price tag quiz!Rockstar Games has confirmed Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch at $70, with an Ultimate Edition costing $100. This article tests readers' knowledge of the launch prices of various other games, including the original Grand Theft Auto, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Collector's Edition, and The Orange Box.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – June 20, 2026 – top 10 is looking very familiarThe Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of June 20, 2026, show a remarkably consistent top ten, with Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream retaining the number one spot. All positions within the top ten remained unchanged from the previous week, indicating strong sustained popularity for established titles.
Why so many game developers don't want to use generative AIMany game developers express strong reservations about using generative AI, citing ethical concerns, environmental impact, copyright issues, and job security risks. Despite some executives championing AI as a tool for efficiency, a significant portion of the industry views it as unproven, potentially harmful to creativity, and undesirable by players.
The Average Gamer's Lifestyle Guide: Balance, Wellness, and Better Play | TAGThis guide reframes gaming as a valid wellness routine, backed by scientific research on stress relief, cognitive benefits, and social connection. It offers practical advice on optimizing gaming setups for ergonomics, incorporating short stretching routines, managing screen time for eye health, and choosing appropriate games before bed to avoid sleep disruption. The article emphasizes that gaming, when approached mindfully, can be a crucial component of a balanced lifestyle, countering the guilt often associated with leisure time.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – June 14, 2026 – Xenoblade makes a run at Pokemon PokopiaThe latest Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of June 14, 2026, show Xenoblade Chronicles making a strong showing, with its upgrade pack at second place and the full game at sixth. Pokemon Pokopia remains at the top spot. New entries in the top ten include The Adventures of Elliot and Rise of the Tomb Raider.- Quietest Handheld for Late-Night Couch Gaming | TAGThis article ranks handheld gaming devices based on their fan noise levels, focusing on suitability for late-night gaming sessions. The Nintendo Switch 2 is identified as the quietest, followed by the Steam Deck OLED, Legion Go, and ASUS ROG Ally X, with the Switch 2 being the top recommendation for playing beside a sleeping partner.