Summary
Stardew Valleyis one of the biggest titles in the life simulation genre, as players take over an inherited farm and begin a simpler life. Eight years after its launch,Stardew Valleyhas evolved greatly. Whether through mods or updates, the game’s growth has contributed to its immense success. Created by solo developer ConcernedApe,Stardew Valleyhas quickly become one of the biggest indie hits in gaming history.
Despite the various updates and fan-made mods, there are still some features that could become game changers for howStardew Valleyis played. The whole point of the game is for players to build a new life on their own farms, which means players can eventually marry characters and grow their families.Having kids inStardew Valleyis one way players can expand their character’s life, but the game can take its child concept even further. Allowing characters to age could add an extra layer to the roleStardew Valley’s families play in the game.
Stardew Valley Embracing Aging Children
Allowing Stardew Valley to Come Full Circle
Stardew Valleycan be a fun and immersive life simulator, but one of the biggest immersion breakers is the lack of in-game aging, especially when it comes to the children of one’s character. When players have kids in the game, they don’t age further than the toddler stage of four years old.Building a family inStardew Valleycould be greatly emphasized if a player’s children could age into adults and eventually inherit the farm.
Just as players begin the game by inheriting the farm from their character’s grandfather, one’s own children could continue the cycle and eventually gain control of the plot.Raising kids inStardew Valleyisn’t super rewarding, and the lack of aging and growing can make the feature feel even more pointless. Helping a character grow into an adult could be the perfect recipe for special in-game rewards that are tied to successfully raising kids.
If players bring a Prismatic Shard to the Dark Shrine of Selfishness, their child will turn into a dove and fly away.
Expanding the New Game Plus Concept
At first, it might seem like raising kids to inherit one’s farm could result in that specific playthrough ending, but the game doesn’t have to stop. Once a player’s original character retires or dies and leaves the farm to a child, players can then take control of that particular character. This would start the cycle all over again as a fun twist on New Game Plus.Stardew Valley’s status as one of the best farming simulator gamescould be elevated even more by making land inheritance a key mechanic of the game. Raising generations of farmers could present a thrilling new challenge for the game’s most invested players, because it likely wouldn’t be an easy task.
Stardew Valley’s Child-Rearing Needs Some Work
Having a spouse and kids inStardew Valleyis useful for some achievements, but other than that, children don’t really offer much in the game. It’s a lot of work just for an achievement, and making family building a central focus of the gameplay could help reconcile that.There is plenty to do inStardew Valleyalready, but in-game children often feel like an afterthought. Perhaps there were larger ambitions for family mechanics at first that were ultimately scrapped, but revisiting ways to make families feel worth the time could breathe new life into the game.
However, this also raises the question of how the game’s villagers would be handled. If a player’s character and family ages, then everyone else would have to age. That creates the issue of what character they would ultimately be replaced by, which could become too much of a hassle.ConcernedApe’s next projectcould possibly tinker with more in-depth child-raising mechanics, but only time will tell.Stardew Valleymay not go the extra mile with in-game families, but it may ultimately be for the best.
Stardew Valley
WHERE TO PLAY
You’ve inherited your grandfather’s old farm plot in Stardew Valley. Armed with hand-me-down tools and a few coins, you set out to begin your new life. Can you learn to live off the land and turn these overgrown fields into a thriving home? It won’t be easy. Ever since Joja Corporation came to town, the old ways of life have all but disappeared. The community center, once the town’s most vibrant hub of activity, now lies in shambles. But the valley seems full of opportunity. With a little dedication, you might just be the one to restore Stardew Valley to greatness!
