Since its first release in 2016, pixelated farming sim Stardew Valley has received a somewhat regular occurrence of updates, with the most recent being introduced at the end of last year. Even five years later, the indie title is still apparently having firsts with an official board game on the way and the inaugural Stardew Valley Cup recently adding a competitive edge to the laidback proceedings. However, even with all these new avenues, it looks like the popular RPG may in fact be on its last legs of development.

This news comes from the finale of the Stardew Valley Cup, where creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone spoke on the game’s potential future. Revealed in a Q&A portion of the broadcast, Barone was asked about a next supposed update, specifically the feasibility of adding more marriageable NPCs to the game. While not opposed to the idea, Barone admitted the task would demand “a huge amount of time” he wasn’t prepared to give, especially as the developer is currently working on a new game. He went as far as to doubt whether Stardew Valley might ever receive another update.

​”​​I don’t know if… ​​I’m not saying there’s going to be ​​another Stardew Valley update. I don’t even know at this point, you know? ​​Right now, I’m focused on my next game. So, we’ll see.”

While the idea of no more Stardew Valley updates might certainly present a bummer for fans, Barone previously hinted at a lull in development as early as last year, confirming work on Update 1.5, but refusing to commit to anything further than that. The aforementioned update offered one of the most expansive content drops in the game’s lifespan, introducing split-screen couch co-op, the new Ginger Island region, and even bananas to the proceedings – so it’s no surprise Barone may want a bit of a break.

Since venturing into self-publishing in 2018, Barone’s next game has been purposely shrouded in mystery, with more information teased for a time closer to the project’s completion. However, that didn’t stop the dev from teasing a few details during the tournament Q&A, confirming the title is “another pixel art game” from a “top-down perspective.” While the game might sound reminiscent of Stardew Valley, Barone assured the experience is “not a farming game,” but didn’t elaborate further than that.

Stardew Valley is out now for Android, iOS, Linux, Mac, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One as well as PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S via backward compatibility.

What do you think? Are you bummed by the possibility of no more Stardew Valley updates, or are you just wondering what this new game is all about? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow Don’t Feed the Gamers on Twitter and Facebook to be informed of the latest gaming and entertainment news 24 hours a day! For more indie game headlines recently featured on DFTG, check out these next few news stories:

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