Stardew Valley's 1.7 Update: ConcernedApe Asks for Calm, Ignites the Internet's Hype Machine

In a move that could only be described as a masterclass in unintentional hype generation, Eric Barone, the visionary solo developer behind the beloved Stardew Valley, recently took to social media with a rather humble request. ConcernedApe, as he’s known to his legion of fans, gently suggested that players shouldn't get 'too much hype' for the upcoming Stardew Valley 1.7 update.

Why? Because, he reasoned, it won't be as monumental as the colossal 1.6 patch that swept through the valley just a few months ago.

For anyone familiar with the internet's insatiable appetite for Stardew Valley news, Barone's plea landed with all the subtlety of a giant, flashing red button emblazoned with the words 'DO NOT PRESS.' And, predictably, the internet immediately pressed it, multiple times, with gleeful abandon.

The irony is palpable: the very act of asking for less hype invariably creates more, especially when it concerns a game as universally adored and anticipated as Stardew Valley.

Let’s rewind a bit to understand the magnitude of the situation. The 1.6 update was, by all accounts, a game-changer.

It wasn't just a minor patch; it was an overhaul that introduced new festivals, fresh dialogue, a plethora of items, a brand-new farm type, and so much more. It reinvigorated the community, brought countless lapsed players back to Pelican Town, and cemented Barone's reputation as a developer who truly listens to his audience and consistently delivers above and beyond expectations.

So, when ConcernedApe mentions a 1.7 update, even with a caveat, the collective Stardew Valley fandom perks up its ears.

Barone described 1.7 as 'more of a festival of fixes and quality of life improvements.' This phrasing suggests a focus on polishing the existing experience rather than introducing vast swathes of new content. He elaborated that it's designed to support the forthcoming official Stardew Valley cookbook and to aid in the localization of the game into additional languages, which is fantastic news for expanding the game's global reach.

It’s important to remember that Eric Barone is a singular force.

He's not only managing Stardew Valley but also diligently working on his next highly anticipated title, Haunted Chocolatier. The fact that he's still dedicating time and effort to refining Stardew Valley, even after 1.6's massive release, speaks volumes about his dedication to the project and his community.

Many developers would have moved on entirely after such a successful and comprehensive update.

Despite ConcernedApe's best intentions to manage expectations, the truth remains: any new official content, no matter how small, is a cause for celebration in the Stardew Valley universe. A 'festival of fixes' sounds like a delightful party to us, promising an even smoother, more enjoyable farming, fishing, and adventuring experience.

So, while we appreciate his humble request, we can't help but feel a tremor of excitement for what the 1.7 update will bring, even if it's just a perfectly polished stone in the already gleaming jewel that is Stardew Valley.