Highly anticipated: Even though PC users received the last major update for Stardew Valley (version 1.6) earlier this year, mobile and console users will have to wait until November. The game’s developer admitted to treating PC users like beta testers due to platform differences.

The mobile and console versions of Stardew Valley have not seen a major update since 2021. The long-awaited update is finally set to arrive on November 4, but the creator confirmed that these platforms may never catch up to the PC version.

Version 1.6, the latest significant patch, was released on PC in March, introducing new dialogue, a new farm type, an end-game skill system, various minor additions, a new festival, and more events. This update led to a record high of over 236,000 Steam players.

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, the patch for other platforms has faced significant delays. The creator, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, who has been the sole developer of Stardew Valley since 2012, admitted that the porting process is taking longer than expected, impacting progress on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier.

Barone reiterated that he usually prioritizes releasing Stardew Valley updates on PC first to address any critical issues before rolling out to other platforms where fixes take longer to implement.

The delay is attributed to the certification process required for mobile and console updates, unlike PC patches that can be uploaded immediately. While the PC version has received multiple minor fixes and additions post version 1.6, the November update for other platforms will align with PC version 1.6.9.

Players who have already purchased Stardew Valley on any platform can rest assured that they will not be charged for new content. Earlier this year, Barone promised never to introduce DLC or charge for updates, urging fans to save the declaration for future reference.

This commitment stands out in an industry where many publishers monetize games through microtransactions, expansions, and subscriptions. Stardew Valley’s exceptional success, with over 30 million copies sold, sets it apart and gives Barone the flexibility to maintain this approach.

Drawing a parallel, Dwarf Fortress, a hardcore simulation game from Bay 12 Games, was distributed as freeware for 16 years until a health scare in 2019 prompted the release of a commercial version, which quickly recouped millions in sales.