On the 12th, Eric Baron made an unexpected statement in an interview with Game Informer. When asked about changes that were put on hold during the game's development due to concerns about player reaction, Baron noted that some fans wanted to marry NPCs who had already started families, such as Caroline, Robin, and Demetrius. He continued, 'Personally, I am morally opposed to it, but I think it should be possible to do bad things and face the consequences in sandbox games.'
He added, 'Even if you add features like infidelity or family breakdown, everyone in the village will end up hating the player.' He also added that there would be serious consequences. They made it clear that they were skeptical, saying that the story was too realistic for a game that created a world that would not exist in reality. However, when this information became known, some exaggerated and interpreted it as information about adding an affair function. In particular, the content of the article was translated overseas as 'Considering the introduction of infidelity and divorce,' and this was back-translated and spread to English-speaking countries, increasing confusion. A kind of joking, hypothetical comment was accepted as an actual development plan.
In the end, Baron himself came forward to explain on social media. It was revealed that some quotes were taken out of context and did not properly convey the meaning of what was intended. The content he actually reviewed was related to Pierre, Caroline, and the Robin/Demetrius couple. He stated that he did not introduce it because it was too heavy and a serious problem and the amount of work to change the dialogue and atmosphere of the entire village would be enormous. He added that his grandfather would be disappointed, and confirmed that it was just a theoretical imagination he had in his head. He also made it clear that he does not recommend it and has no intention of introducing it.
Stardew Valley is considered a representative title of cozy games, which are called healing games. Spending a calm day, such as planting and harvesting crops and giving gifts to villagers, is one of the core emotions of the game. Although the villagers each have their own stories, their relationships are designed like a warm and safe fence. On the other hand, the act of breaking up the family of a married NPC is an element that directly destroys that fence. In particular, the mentioned NPCs are the ones that make up the background of the village community, and Baron has made a choice not to destroy the core atmosphere of the game.
Even now that Stardew Valley has passed its 10th anniversary, updates are continuing. Baron also drew a line at all rumors and leak claims related to the 1.7 update content being worked on as fake. Meanwhile, he is developing a new game, Haunted Chocolatier, with the Stardew Valley 1.7 update, which adds Sandy and Clint as possible marriage partners.
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