Stardew Valley
News, coverage and analysis tracking Stardew Valley across the outlets.
Help, I can't decide if Stardew Valley in 3D is amazing or horrifyingA modder named kittycatcasey has created a proof-of-concept for a 3D version of Stardew Valley, which is compatible with VR. While the mod's creator plans to eventually give everything unique 3D models, the current version uses 2D sprites that swivel to face the player, creating a potentially unsettling effect that the author finds both "amazing" and "horrifying."- Safe Gaming Guide for Adults: Anti-Toxicity in 2026 | TAGThis guide offers strategies for adult gamers to combat online toxicity and improve their gaming experience. It introduces TAG's safety score for rating games based on community health and provides platform-specific tools for managing communication and blocking players. The article emphasizes the benefits of private lobbies, playing with trusted friends, and seeking out positive communities to mitigate the negative impacts of toxic online environments.
My first 40 days in Moonlight Peaks started off with juicy feuds, but its anemic character writing is starting to show…This preview of Moonlight Peaks, a new farming simulation game, offers early impressions after 40 in-game days. While the game features supernatural themes and typical farming sim elements like crops and crafting, the character writing is criticized for being anemic and inconsistent in tone. Despite some odd design choices, the game is easy to pick up with charming visuals and fun minigames, though its value proposition is questioned compared to other titles in the genre.- Metal Gear Solid Composer's Studio Ghibli Jazz Album AnnouncedScarlet Moon Records announced Prescription for Sleep: Ghibli, a new jazz arrangement album featuring music from Studio Ghibli films. The album, performed by Norihiko Hibino and AYAKI as GENTLE LOVE, will be released on July 20, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Spirited Away. Three tracks are currently available for pre-order on Bandcamp.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: Watch Day 3 hereSummer Games Done Quick 2026 is underway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising funds for Doctors Without Borders. The event features speedruns of various games, including highlights like "Hollow Knight: Silksong" and "Pragmata." The marathon continues through Saturday, July 11, with schedules available on the Games Done Quick website.
What Keeps Players Engaged Beyond Their Favorite Games and Why? | Invision Game CommunityThis article explores the psychological hooks and retention mechanics that keep players engaged with video games beyond their initial enjoyment. It discusses the substitution effect, the importance of social connections and virtual communities, and how dopamine loops and unpredictable rewards contribute to long-term player investment. The analysis also touches on how different genres utilize specific mechanics to maintain player interest and how games can serve as a form of escapism and therapeutic routine.- Save Up To 95% Off Thousands Of Games In The GOG Summer SaleGOG has launched its Summer Sale, featuring discounts of up to 95% on over 8,000 games until July 9. Notable deals include Fallout 4 Game of the Year Edition for $16, Control Ultimate Edition for $6, and the Yakuza Complete Collection for $44.79. The sale also offers significant price reductions on popular titles like Baldur's Gate 3, Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection, and various indie games.
This week in PC games: Stardew Valley plus vampires, a lavish gamebook RPG, and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, finallyThis week's PC game releases include the remake Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, the gamebook RPG Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle, and various indie titles like Cosmodrill and Mothkeep. News includes potential job cuts at Microsoft and studio closures, while previews of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and interviews are also mentioned.
Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts – July 5, 2026 – Star Fox leads againThe Nintendo Switch 2 eShop charts for the week of July 5, 2026, show Star Fox leading for the second consecutive week. Cyberpunk 2077 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild are also performing well due to ongoing sales. Moonlight Peaks is making a strong debut, ranking sixth overall and first on the download-only list.
Nintendo Switch eShop charts – July 4, 2026 – Rhythm Heaven Groove on topRhythm Heaven Groove has topped the Nintendo Switch eShop charts for the week of July 4, 2026, overtaking Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. Moonlight Peaks also debuted on the charts following pre-load availability. The article lists the top 30 games overall and the top 30 download-only titles.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continuesThe Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Weekend Console Download Deals for July 3: Nintendo Summer Sale continuesNintendo's Summer Sale continues for another week, featuring discounts on first-party titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity. Various digital deals are also available across PlayStation and Xbox platforms, including PlayStation Plus member exclusives and Xbox Game Pass discounts.
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.