I HATE How Much I LOVE Stardew Valley

THERE ARE NO STORY SPOILERS FOR STARDEW VALLEY IN THIS BLOG, PLEASE BE KIND AND KEEP ANY COMMENTS SPOILER FREE

I am far from the biggest of gamers. Actually, I don’t really play many video games at all. I reckon I play games less than any of my friends. That was until about a week ago, when I gave a second chance to a video game I first purchased last August. I’d heard lots of great things about Stardew Valley, so many people had told me about what a relaxing, cosy game it was and that I would definitely love it. I was never too interested but after it was recommended for the hundredth time I figured I may as well give it a shot. I opened Steam and added it to the three other games I had, again, I’m really not much of a gamer. I turned on the game, played out the opening day or two, turned the game off to make dinner or something, and I promptly forgot I’d even bought the game.

Over the following six months, I’d be reminded that I had the game but I just never felt a real urge to go back to it. I didn’t want to play video games. I get really in my own head about being productive so I couldn’t waste my time playing instead of creating. After a pretty solid run over a couple weeks where I did a lot of writing, recording, and creating concept art, I got a bit tired out. So a week ago I committed to doing something different to stay inspired and avoid tunnel vision. I had a look through my computer and spotted Stardew Valley. It was early in the evening and I wasn’t busy so a couple of hours playing it could be fun, but the game surprisingly took me well into the early hours of the morning.

I don’t know what changed for me that wasn’t there when I first tried it but I was hooked. I am hooked. I have found myself legitimately obsessed with this game. During the week I’ve been busy with things to do but even while at some important meetings all I’ve been able to think about is this game. I’ve fallen head over heels for Pelican Town and everyone in it. There’s the cute design of everything, the distinct and lovable characters, all the fun gameplay elements, the looming threat of the capitalist monster that is JojaMart, the smaller personal dramas that intersect between different townsfolk and you, and all of the little details. It is all so whimsically wonderful and has me addicted, wanting to find out more constantly. The quests are genuinely rewarding and the steady drip feeding of information on characters generates such a natural connection to them. I could easily talk for an hour about all the things I like, no love, about this game, but I don’t really want this to go on forever. If you’ve played the game yourself, then I’m sure you already know everything I’m touching on and thinking of. There’s a reason people love this game so much.

But a big question I’ve had throughout is how the hell do people find this game relaxing? Yes the cutesy art style and layout of Pelican Town feels sweet and wholesome but there are so many seriously stressful elements to this game. Not least of which is how fast time seems to go by, my only real gripe really is that you can’t change the time setting. Like I said I won’t be spoiling anything in the story but there are some tense narratives. Pair that with some nerve wracking decisions and I do absolutely think the game is great but for me it is anything but relaxing.

I’m only at my first Christmas in the game but I have found myself more invested in this story and the characters than probably any other game I’ve played. Other games I've played tend to lack deeper personality that I've often added in as my own headcanon, basically creating private fanfiction so I can connect with characters more, but that isn't necessary with Stardew Valley. I liked The Sims growing up but it usually failed to make me really care about things going well, but I am desperate for the happiest ending for this little town. This game gives me so much dopamine and I need things to go well for my little virtual pals.

I’ve also come to the horrific realization that no matter how good my life gets, even if all my dreams come true, it will never be as good as Stardew Valley. No one’s life will. How can anyone’s real life possibly compare to this idyllic small town community and it’s sense of togetherness? I’m sure if you’re reading this you’ve probably played the game, I’m pretty late to the party. I’d love to talk to people about the game. I wasn’t joking when I said I’ve become obsessed and it’s been really tough avoiding videos and discussions on the game because I don’t want to get it spoiled. But if anyone wants to non-spoiler talk, I am all ears.

Thanks for reading this. It was a total ramble about my new unreasonable obsession that I really needed to put into writing

~Ian