ConcernedApe Explains Why Stardew Valley Collabs Are Always Free

Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the solo creator of Stardew Valley, has once again reminded fans why he’s one of the most admired figures in gaming. Barone recently revealed that he never takes money for crossovers involving his beloved farming sim.

According to him, these collaborations only happen because he’s genuinely a fan of the other game or believes players would truly enjoy it.

The latest example is an unexpected collaboration between Stardew Valley and Infinity Nikki, launching September 1. While details remain vague, the announcement stirred mixed reactions. Some fans were quick to praise Barone’s integrity, while others questioned the timing, pointing out it coincides with controversy around leaks in the Infinity Nikki community. Barone himself stressed that these partnerships are purely passion-driven and free of financial motives.

The team behind Infinity Nikki quickly responded, calling the crossover a heartfelt tribute: “Working on it felt like we were all tending a little farm together. The care and detail you pour into your world is exactly why we want to make cozy games too.” Despite this warm sentiment, the Nikki community has had its own struggles, especially after recent updates that altered lore and raised costs for outfit collecting – issues unrelated to Stardew but adding fuel to the skepticism.

It’s worth noting that Stardew Valley collaborations are rare. Past tie-ins include Terraria and Balatro, each received as a small gift to the player base rather than a monetized move. Barone himself has admitted he doesn’t want to be “just the Stardew Valley guy,” which explains his ongoing work on Haunted Chocolatier. While that project is still deep in development, Barone has been open about wanting it to surpass Stardew Valley in quality – no small ambition given the farm sim’s global success of more than 40 million copies sold.

Whether fans agree with his refusal to take payment or not, Barone continues to stand apart in an industry often dominated by monetization strategies. His approach remains refreshingly simple: make games he loves, share them with players, and keep building without compromise.