# Eric Barone, Creator of Stardew Valley, Takes Eight Years to Fully Complete His Own Game
In the realm of indie gaming, few titles have reached the heights of success and admiration that *Stardew Valley* has. The farming simulation game, crafted by Eric Barone (widely recognized by his online name *ConcernedApe*), has enthralled millions of gamers since it debuted in 2016. Nevertheless, despite being the visionary behind the title, it took Barone an incredible eight years to achieve complete personal completion, earning all 49 in-game accomplishments.
In a message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Barone joyfully revealed that he had finally attained 100% completion in *Stardew Valley*. His announcement received an outpouring of felicitations, humor, and respect from fans who were both amazed and entertained by the extended time it took for the creator to finish his own game.
## An Endless Game with a Measurable Goal
*Stardew Valley* is crafted as an open-ended game, which means there is no clear “conclusion” to the adventure. Players can keep farming, fishing, mining, and forging bonds with the in-game characters for as long as they wish. This makes it challenging to determine when the game is genuinely “complete.”
Nevertheless, the game offers a set of 49 achievements that cover various gameplay facets, from farming accomplishments to completing the in-game community center and even delving to the deepest levels of the mines. For numerous players, these achievements act as a concrete way to gauge progress and completion.
For Barone, collecting all 49 achievements marked the definitive moment when he could confidently assert he had completed his own game. But why did it take him such an extended period?
## Eight Years to Full Completion
While Barone hasn’t shared a thorough account of why it took him eight years to reach 100% completion, multiple factors likely played a role in this lengthy journey.
Primarily, *Stardew Valley* was created by Barone as a solo endeavor. He dedicated nearly five years to developing the game before its official launch, managing everything from programming to artwork and music creation. Following the game’s debut, Barone continued to enhance it with updates, bug fixes, and fresh content, all while simultaneously working on other projects, including his forthcoming title *Haunted Chocolatier*. This left him with limited opportunities to actually play *Stardew Valley* as an everyday player.
Moreover, *Stardew Valley* is a title that motivates players to savor their experiences. There’s no urgency to accomplish goals, and many gamers discover they spend countless hours immersed in the game without even realizing it. In fact, one X user, Ash, noted that they had racked up over 800 hours in the game and still hadn’t unlocked all the achievements. For Barone, who was likely juggling game development alongside other duties, it’s easy to understand how this endeavor could extend across several years.
## The Community Responds
Barone’s post on X garnered a warm reception filled with support and humor from the *Stardew Valley* community. Numerous fans praised him for his accomplishment, while others jested about the notion that the game’s creator took so long to complete it.
One user, Matt, humorously wrote, “Hopefully the developer takes note of your success,” to which Barone jokingly responded, “The developer patted me on the back for it.”
Another user, katsuyakku – illust, remarked, “Congratulations! Now you just have to hope that the developer doesn’t add any new achievements.” Given Barone’s track record of introducing new content to the game, this comment resonated with many fans who are aware that *Stardew Valley* has undergone several significant updates since its launch, each introducing fresh features, items, and challenges.
## Why the Delay Is Unimportant
Although it might seem surprising that Barone took such a long time to finish his own game, it’s vital to remember that video games ultimately revolve around enjoyment and personal satisfaction. For many players, the pleasure of *Stardew Valley* originates from the journey, not the destination. The game’s soothing ambiance, endearing characters, and limitless possibilities make it a title that players can revisit time and again, without feeling the pressure to “complete” it.
Barone’s success serves as a reminder that even a game’s creator can take their time to relish the experience. After all, *Stardew Valley* is a game about finding respite from the stresses of modern life and discovering tranquility in the simple joys of farming, fishing, and nurturing relationships. There’s no rush to finish it, and that’s part of its lasting charm.
## What Lies Ahead for Eric Barone?
Now that Barone has reached 100% completion in *Stardew Valley*, fans are left wondering what lies ahead for the developer. His upcoming project, *Haunted Chocolatier*, has