Fans have been obsessed withStardew Valleyfor years now, and the hype doesn’t seem to be dying down. The fan base has only grown since the game’s 2016 launch, and it notably joined the Xbox Game Pass library this month. This addition bringsStardew Valleyto just about every platform on the market right now.
Made by ConcernedApe (AKA one person, Eric Barone), Stardew Valley has been an indie standout for years, and has been nominated for and received several awards. For a huge company like Microsoft, the small 8-bit style farming simulator may not seem like the biggest deal. However, it just might have a pretty substantial effect onXbox Game Passgoing forward.
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Xbox Game Pass for Everyone
It’s also beneficial to Microsoft and the developers of the games inside the Game Pass library. Adding more games likeDestinyorFallout 4is great, especially for players with high-powered PCs or consoles, but it ultimately may bring more of the same audience that Xbox already has. A huge trend in gaming recently has demonstrated how much players — especially women and people new to gaming — love simple, accessible, cozy games.
Stardew Valleyis a perfect example: It doesn’t require an expensive gaming rig, controls are simple, and the premise is pleasant and unintimidating. As Xbox Game Pass bringsStardew Valleyand similar titles likeSpiritfarer,Unpacking, andFirewatchto its library, the platform is opening the door to an entirely new audience. Simultaneously, Microsoft is making a statement that Xbox Game Pass isn’t just for diehardHalofans; it’s for everyone.
Stardew Valley and Xbox Game Pass
Stardew Valleymay not be the biggest title to come to Game Pass, but it is a fan-favorite indie game, and the most popular farming simulator currently on the market. This may be beneficial to Microsoft and developers as a different demographic is drawn in to join Game Pass. More importantly, though,Stardew Valley’s addition to Game Passis beneficial to gamers, expanding their opportunities and choices in games and genres.
Stardew Valleyis available for Android, iOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
