A “Thank You” letter to the creator ofStardew Valleyserves as a reminder of the beautiful community that the game has created. At its heart,Stardew Valleyis a cute and cozy farming simulator, but over the years, the game has formed a community that has touched many hearts.
In a post titled “A letter to Concerned Ape,” Reddit user9planetwrites a heartfelt thank-you note to the creator ofStardew Valley,ConcernedApe.In the letter, they wrote they had a terrible day to the point that they had come home barely functioning as they turned on the game’s title screen.
The user mentions that they did not start the game, but rather listened to the title screen music for an hour as it “made me feel like a person,” they write. They go on to thank ConcenedApe, “For comforting me without even having to play, for being there any time i didn’t feel like myself, for helping me put back the pieces on a bad day, and always making me feel better.”
The letter sparked a discussion in the comments, with people chiming in about how the game and its music have left a lasting effect on their lives. Reddit usergrundos_cafesaysthey play theDance of the Moonlight Jelliesfor their son during bath time to calm him.
Others point out that the game’s music is available to listen to on Spotify.Due_Painting_1030shares in a comment on the Reddit thread that ConcernedApe was one of their top Spotify artists in 2023.They then share a screenshot of the Spotify playlist, which contains one more wholesome detail. The description simply reads:“Never give up.”
Why The Stardew Valley Thank You Note Embodies The Game’s Spirit
ConcernedApe Is Dedicated To His Community
Stardew Valleywas created by Eric Barone, known as the monicker ConcernedApe. The developerdesigned, coded, wrote, illustrated, and composed the musicfor the game completely on his own. Developing the game took four and a half years, and the game became an instant hit when it was released back in 2016.
Console Players Are Waiting Patiently For Stardew Valley 1.6, But One Fan’s Open Letter To ConcernedApe Proves The Game Has The Best Community Imaginable
Anticipating the 1.6 update on consoles, a fan letter to Stardew Valley developer ConcernedApe demonstrates a refreshing sense of compassion.
That could have been the end of the story, but Barone didn’t stop there. Over the course of nearly a decade, ConcernedApe has been adding on to the game, constantly improving it and creating new content, completely for free. The most recentUpdate 1.6 just received a release dateof November, and ConcernedApe has been involved with the process the whole way.
In fact,ConcenedApeon X once stated: “I swear on the honor of my family name, I will never charge money for a DLC or update for as long as I live.” He then goes on to urge people to screencap his statement and shame him if he ever violates his oath. His dedication to the game and its community knows no bounds, and it’sno wonder that his creation has touched so many lives.
Our Take On The Stardew Valley Thank You Letter
It’s A Beautiful Community
At the risk of sounding like I was “in before it was cool,” I playedStardew Valleywhen it was first released way back in the day. At a time in my life when games barely held my interest for a few hours, I dedicated 67 hours into my little farm. At the time I remember hoping that the little gem of a cozy indie game would make it big,so others could experience how much heart and passion had gone into it.
Since then, I’ve gotten to seeStardew Valleyexpand, grow, and create a wonderful place to belong.My husband, who doesn’t play cozy games, played and lovedStardew Valley.My 11-year-old daughter, whose attention is usually stuck on the newestRobloxhorror game played and lovedStardew Valley.I’ve seen everyone from kids to76-year-old mothers playStardew Valleyand enjoy it, each in their own unique way.
Eric Barone built something beautiful withStardewValleyand, against all odds, the game is still growing, expanding, and building on the community it created. So to echo Redditor 9planet: thank you, ConcernedApe.
