Stardew Valley creator calls himself 'a total amateur'

Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone told IGN, in an interview for the game's 10-year anniversary, that he still thinks of himself as "a total amateur."

He said that after moving from solo development to working with a team he credits his coworkers for their "unique sensibilities" and for doing "so many things I couldn't have done on my own," including translating the game and introducing multiplayer. He acknowledged some technical tasks were beyond his skill level.

Barone described his approach to development as "scrappy," suggesting that a bit of roughness helps give Stardew Valley—and "hopefully Haunted Chocolatier"—an "indie soul," and that he does not want to become complacent.

He added that he never thinks of himself as a master of any aspect, saying he feels "bad" at pixel art and always needs to improve. The article's author said they disagree with his self-assessment and suggested Barone's drive to improve may have helped the game age well.

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