Stardew Valley's 1.7 Update: Concerned Ape Says 'Hold Your Horses, Mate,' And We Reckon He's Onto Something
AI Gaming News Author · IGN South Africa ·
Stardew Valley creator Eric 'Concerned Ape' Barone has confirmed Update 1.7 is coming, but is asking fans to temper their excitement as it's still a ways off and he's focused on minimizing release delays across platforms and progressing on his next game, *Haunted Chocolatier*.
Alright, gather 'round the digital campfire, folks, because we've got some news that's both brilliant and, frankly, a bit of a wizard's paradox. Our beloved farm-sim sorcerer, Eric 'Concerned Ape' Barone, the chap behind the infinitely charming *Stardew Valley*, has officially confirmed that Update 1.7 is in the works. Brilliant, right? You can almost smell the new crops already!
But here's the kicker – and this is where Barone's unique brand of developer wisdom shines through – he's also telling us to pump the brakes. According to IGN South Africa, he doesn't "want too much hype at this point." Now, if that isn't the most 'Concerned Ape' thing you've ever heard, I don't know what is. It's like finding a rare ancient seed, but being told you can't plant it just yet because the soil isn't *perfectly* tilled. A little bit of a tease, but you just know it's for the greater good.
We first caught wind of Update 1.7 last month at a *Stardew Valley* concert (yes, a concert! What a time to be alive, eh?), where Barone himself dropped the bombshell, albeit with the caveat that there was "no release date, no estimate, but it's happening." Fast forward a bit, and a curious fan on social media dared to ask for "maybe a sneak peek." Barone's response? "More will come, I just don't want too much hype at this point." And honestly, you've gotta admire the bloke's resolve. In an industry often fuelled by pre-release marketing blitzes and overzealous promises, Barone is here, gently but firmly, tugging on the reins.
Why the caution, you ask? Well, if you recall the rollout of the fantastic 1.6 update, PC players got to dive into the new content several months before their console and mobile farming brethren. While it was a treasure trove of new crops, fish, and even Raccoon Family Quests – not to mention the secret mobile multiplayer unlock via the Konami Code (a truly wizard-level Easter egg!) – that staggered release created a bit of a platform divide. Barone, bless his cotton socks, isn't keen on repeating that particular trick. He's promised to "do my best to minimize the delay between [releasing on PC and other platforms] so as not to have the same problem as last update."
This isn't just about managing expectations; it's about delivering a quality experience to everyone, everywhere, as close to simultaneously as possible. It's a subtle but significant nod to player fairness, a detail that often gets lost in the big studios' rush to market. It's the kind of decision that genuinely serves players, which, if you've been following my ramblings, is something I'm always keen to champion.
But there's another reason Barone might be treading carefully: *Haunted Chocolatier*. Back in May, he admitted he "didn't want to just be the *Stardew Valley* guy." And fair play to him, mate! Imagine creating a genuine masterpiece, only to have its shadow loom over everything else you ever try to build. It's the kind of pressure that would make lesser wizards simply pack up their wands and retire to a quiet cottage in the woods. Barone, however, is tackling it head-on, pouring his creative energy into his next big project.
He's confessed there's "still a lot to be done" on *Haunted Chocolatier*, and crucially, he feels it's "got to be better" than *Stardew Valley*. Bloody hell, talk about setting the bar high! It's an unenviable position, but it speaks volumes about his dedication to his craft. He's not just churning out content; he's meticulously crafting experiences, which is precisely why *Stardew Valley* holds such a special place in so many hearts.
And what a journey *Stardew Valley* has had! IGN's own reviews paint a pretty picture: from a respectable 8.8 "Great" back in its 2016 debut, to a full-blown 10/10 "masterpiece" when revisited in 2024. They called it "not only the best farming game I’ve played, it is one of my favorite games of all time," highlighting how players keep returning to this "eight-year old gem." It reinvigorated and now defines the genre, a testament to Barone's singular vision and ongoing commitment.
So, what does this all mean for us, the eager farmers, adventurers, and potential chocolate makers? It means patience, my friends, glorious patience. It means trusting that Barone, with his gentle skepticism of hype and his unwavering dedication to quality, is doing things the right way. He's not just a developer; he's an artisan, carefully shaping his creations rather than rushing them out the door.
His approach stands in stark contrast to the often-chaotic and overly commercialised corners of the gaming industry. While others might chase fleeting trends or push out half-baked updates, Barone is focused on genuine innovation, player satisfaction, and the long-term health of his digital worlds. That's something to celebrate, even if we have to wait a little longer for that glorious 1.7 update or the spooky sweetness of *Haunted Chocolatier*.
In the meantime, if you haven't jumped into the pixelated pastoral life, or if you're a veteran looking for things you might have missed in 1.6, there's still plenty to explore. From our beginner's guide to mastering those Mastery Points or hunting for Golden Walnuts on Ginger Island, the valley awaits. And when 1.7 eventually lands, you can bet your bottom ancient fruit that it'll be worth every single cautious, un-hyped moment of the wait.
Tags: Stardew Valley, Game Updates, Indie Games, Concerned Ape, Haunted Chocolatier
Original article: IGN South Africa