Since its release in 2016, Stardew Valley has solidified its reputation as the cornerstone of the farming sim genre, significantly influencing countless games that followed. Whenever a new farming simulator debuts, comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable, highlighting its remarkable impact on game development in this category.

In a recent interview, Eric Barone, the mind behind Stardew Valley, revealed that he hasn’t extensively explored many other farming simulators but acknowledged titles such as Sun Haven and Graveyard Keeper. One game particularly caught his attention due to its name rather than its gameplay, prompting a humorous reflection from him:

“I did boot up Disney Dreamlight Valley. Because I was like, Wait, it’s called Dreamlight Valley. Like, what? What are they? What’s going on here? So I had to check it out. And it’s like, I’d say it’s more like Animal Crossing than Stardew.”
“I did boot up Disney Dreamlight Valley. Because I was like, Wait, it’s called Dreamlight Valley. Like, what? What are they? What’s going on here? So I had to check it out. And it’s like, I’d say it’s more like Animal Crossing than Stardew.”

Barone noted the overwhelming wave of games inspired by Stardew Valley, pointing out that:

“I can’t take all the credit for this, but Stardew seems to have inspired many more people to think about making farming life simulation games. I loved those games growing up. Harvest Moon was my favorite.” “I can’t take all the credit for this, but Stardew seems to have inspired many more people to think about making farming life simulation games. I loved those games growing up. Harvest Moon was my favorite.”

Thus, he appreciates how the genre is seeing a renaissance thanks to its influence and recognizes the value in the increasing variety of games that cater to this niche. With the interview, Barone continues to engage with fans while transitioning his focus towards new projects.