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Highly anticipated: Although the last major update for Stardew Valley – version 1.6 – arrived on PC earlier this year, mobile and console users won't receive it until November. While explaining the discrepancy, the game's sole developer admitted to treating PC users like beta testers due to differences between the various platforms.
The mobile and console versions of Stardew Valley haven't received a major update since 2021. The long wait ends on November 4, but the game's creator confirmed that those platforms will likely never enjoy release parity with PC.
Version 1.6, the last big patch, came to PC in March, adding dialogue, a new kind of farm, an end-game skill system, various other minor additions, a new festival, and other events. The release pushed Steam player counts to an all-time high of over 236,000.
I've always released on PC first, because it's sort of a "beta test" to make sure there are no critical (e.g. save-destroying) bugs, which are a much bigger deal on consoles because they can't be patched out as quickly. However, I never intended for the delay to be this long
– ConcernedApe (@ConcernedApe) September 22, 2024
Unfortunately, work on the patch for other platforms has encountered significant delays. Creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, who has developed Stardew Valley essentially alone since 2012, admitted that the port is taking longer than usual, requiring more work than previously anticipated. While repeatedly apologizing to fans, he acknowledged that the situation impacted progress on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier.
Still, Barone confirmed that he usually releases Stardew Valley updates on PC first. He treats PC patches like beta releases because serious glitches (like progress-erasing bugs) take longer to address on other platforms.
The delay is likely because mobile and console updates must pass each platform holder's certification process, whereas Barone can upload PC patches immediately upon finishing them. Indeed, the PC version has received multiple minor fixes and gameplay additions since version 1.6. The November update for other platforms will coincide with PC version 1.6.9.
Fortunately, those who have already purchased Stardew Valley on any platform should never worry about paying for new content. Earlier this year, Barone swore to never charge for DLC or any other update, asking observers to screencap the declaration for posterity.
The promise contrasts starkly with games from larger publishers that charge for microtransactions, expansions, and subscriptions. However, Stardew Valley's likely unique financial situation probably gives Barone some leeway. Not many games made almost entirely by one person have sold 30 million copies.
Dwarf Fortress makes for an interesting comparison. Bay 12 Games distributed the hardcore simulation game as freeware for 16 years until a health scare in 2019 prompted the group to release an alternate commercial version. It almost immediately made back millions of dollars in sales.