Developer, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, responded to a user on Twitter to confirm he is working on a new title that is set in the same universe as his popular farming game Stardew Valley, which has surpassed ten million units sold. The new project is not a farming game, and is still being developed. Barone commented further to IGN, but opted to keep things vague, as to avoid unnecessary hype and disturbance to his development process.
He did spill some details about 2 projects he’s working on! Both share the pixelated art style of Stardew Valley. Only one is confirmed to take place in the same universe, as he is still unsure about the setting for the second one. He assures both will tie into Stardew Valley in some way. They will run as 2D, single player, top down games. He asks fans to manage expectations, as making the “next indie smash hit” is not his goal here. He simply desires to create projects he can proudly present to the world.
The first project has been in development for years in conjunction with Stardew Valley updates, which will continue. He describes it as an “ambitious project” that’s already finished in his head. The task of actually developing it has been a slow and daunting process. Barone aims to “surpass the quality of every aspect compared to Stardew Valley” and goes on to say “I just have to put in the 1000’s more hours of work necessary to finish it.” Gamers should hold out for a timeline on this release for the foreseeable future.
Visit IGN for the full interview.