(Image credit: ConcernedApe / Nexus Mods: aedenthorn)
Stardew Valley’s creator reflects on the game’s core decision, debating whether to support a community center or assist a massive supermarket chain transforming it into a warehouse. Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone admits this choice might have been too “black and white.”
Throughout Stardew Valley, players don’t face many morally complex decisions, aside from a significant one at the game’s heart. Gamers can either grind and build friendships to restore the community center alongside the villagers or opt to support Joja and its warehouse development. While rewards stay consistent, the paths diverge.
During an interview with PC Gamer, Barone expressed a preference for the community center, agreeing that this is “one of the things I kind of regret about Stardew Valley.” “I feel like it’s a bit too straightforward with Joja as the ‘bad guys’ and the community center being the ‘right’ choice,” Barone remarked. “If I were to recreate Stardew Valley, I’d aim for more subtlety. There could be positives to Joja, as nothing is ever so black and white in reality.”
Given the game’s narrative, it’s understandable why Barone leans toward the community center. The protagonist seeks solace in rural life after escaping a monotonous office job at JojaMart, making a return to that routine seem regressive.
Perhaps Barone’s upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, will showcase the nuance he’s aspiring to include.
Aside from the storyline regrets, ConcernedApe also finds the fishing minigame initially “too hard,” though overall he views it positively, acknowledging it as a controversial yet integral part of the game.