ConcernedApe, solo developer of the smash-hitStardew Valley, says he has some “ideas” of what he would have done differently when developing the game.Stardew Valleybecame a massive success, selling over 41 million copies, and is widely regarded as the game that brought cozy games to a wider audience. The game got its final major update for the time being earlier this year, withConcernedApe wanting to focus on other titlesinstead of solely developingStardew Valley. Now that the game’s development is winding down, there is a lot to reflect on.
In an interview withPC Gamer, ConcernedApe shared that some ofthe unresolved character stories withinStardew Valleyare elements he might have liked to have done differently. He elaborated,“I have ideas for how I could resolve these things,“but added that addressing those things would be"closing the book"and that he likes that some of the storylines have been left open-ended.
Stardew Valley Doesn’t Resolve Every Character Story
There Were A Lot Of Questions Left Unanswered
During the interview, ConcernedApe specifically brought up thehated Mayor Lewis' secret relationship story with Marnie and how it was left ambiguous.He also brought up the blacksmith Clint’s unresolved storyline, and previous updates have only madeClint’s post-marriage dialogue even sadderif the player chooses to marry Emily. Before that update, Clint pined after her consistently even after the marriage, and what Clint did after that and what he moved on to is left as a mystery.
ConcernedApe also stated thathe liked the idea of fans finishing the storylines themselvesand creating their own head-canon, making it a more immersive story for a game that emphasizes personal choice and relationships. With the storylines left the way they currently are, there is a lot of room for interpretation of what should happen to these and other characters.
ConcernedApe’s Mixed Feelings Make A Lot Of Sense
Ambiguity Creates A Lot Of Conversations And Stretches Imaginations
ConcernedApe’s mixed feelings regarding whether he should’ve provided more conclusive endings to some of the game’s storylines are completely reasonable. Some fans prefer definitive endings, while others prefer some ambiguity, which can create a lot of discussion and fan theories on what might have happened next.Retrospectively, it’s much easier to say,“I could have done this,“or"I should have done that.”
GivenStardew Valley’s popularity even after the game’s development has slowed, it seems most fans don’t mind the unfinished storylines. Reflection is often a good time to set goals for the future. In ConcernedApe’s next game,Haunted Chocolatier, he might be able to flesh out the game’s story and characters the way he wished he had inStardew Valley.
