Stardew Valley and the Need to Escape
Вставка
- Опубліковано 26 чер 2024
- The farming sim genre had something of a chokehold on the gaming scene for quite a few years and the game responsible for this boom was without a question, Stardew Valley. The Harvest Moon spiritual successor that just got it's 1.6 update and had us falling in love with it all over again!
So we decided to talk about HOW Stardew Valley managed to do what Harvest Moon didn't, start a faming sim revolution so big that you can't get move through the steam new and trending section without stepping in one!
This is Stardew Valley and the Need to get away.
Chapter 1: The Farming Sim Boom - 0:00
Chapter 2: What about Harvest Moon? - 2:56
Chapter 3: The appeal of being Melancholy - 5:36
Chapter 4: But why Stardew Valley? - 10:08
Chapter 5: The reality of Escapism - 14:31
Chapter 6: Life in the Valley - 18:23
Written by: Charlie
Edited by: Charlie and Luke
Charlie's Twitter: / halfheart_hero
Luke's Twitter: / cooltome_
#stardewvalley #stardew #videoessay - Ігри
I always feel like I just want to run away from everything, my work, my family, everyone I know and from all the expectations they look up for when they look at me. I just feel like I want to start a fresh new life somewhere else where no one there knows who I am, something new and relaxing away from the stress and overthinking.
This video talks about that deep urge and playing stardew valley almost most of the time is the only thing that gives me that feeling of escape, where I can feel that my life has a purpose and people I can interact with, not just people who are constantly lying and faking.
Stardew Valley is the closest thing any complicated anti-social being like me could be calling a life, that's how it succeeded.
Me too:)
Dude you need to take the leap and create that life for yourself.
@@NoBy-gu8bq it's easier said than done, especially when you have so much responsibilities
@@maxios-7613 it being hard doesn’t mean anything, at the end of the day no one can make that decision. Not your family, not your friends but only yourself. Of course it’s hard otherwise so many other people would be doing it. But remember it is your own life, no one else can make that action for you.
Purpose is derived through intentionality, anything can give you purpose in that sense. Also, if you had children then it's too late for you to abandon ship, you already traded your agency away by creating a life without consent.
I think the depressing circumstances of Stardew valley makes eventual success more rewarding
Another comment because I'm really shocked that videos with this quality in production didn't get enough attention, you are doing a great job, keep it up !!
We see you commenting all over the channel! Really appreciate you checking out a bunch of videos , some really good insights too!!
Agree!
They're about to blow up for sure!
This video is just 1 day old what are you talking about bro
@@CharlieAndLuke I see quality content, I check the great mind behind it, and yours is quality for sure
Even the nobles of the old days went to villas in the country to get away from court life for a while.
This video really resonated with me. My husband died in November, and I have been playing Stardew Valley as an escape. I've been thinking about this a lot, and I know that playing so much is an avoidance technique at this time. I loved your video. Thank you for making it feel more "normal".
I'm so sorry for your loss. I've always been a believer that escapism techniques are extremely healthy within reason. We all need that break sometimes and there's no shame in admitting it! If Stardew Valley helps you cope with something so awful then play Stardew Valley until you're ready to not!
I am so sorry for your loss.
The message behind the game is, you're anyways going to have to work, just make an effort to do it where you find meaning and fulfillment. An office job is not bad if that makes you happy, but if you feel miserable, then you have to take steps towards something that will make your effort worth your while.
You can even see it in other characters’ stories. Linus, especially. Guy is perfectly happy living in his tent and living off the land (and whatever food people throw away). You may not understand it, but so long as you accept it, he’s fine with you.
Man this was such a good video. When my grandparents needed to get away, they'd go on road trips. When my parents needed to get away, they'd go camping. I can't afford to do either of those things, so instead, I play Stardew Valley and RDR2.
It's the road trip you can take without ever leaving your house! So glad you enjoyed the video!(:
Just make money to afford a real road trip or get away.
You’ll die regretting not doing it.
Not regretting you didn’t play Stardew Valley enough.
I’m a student: graduating in a little less than a week. I have wanted to run away before but much more this year. My life isn’t bad. My family is loving. I just feel like I’m in a pressure cooker and I just want to breathe. Stardew lets me run away while not lol
I'm in the same boat as you as I'm working on finishing my thesis before the deadline next month. I've clocked some SERIOUS hours in game recently and I realize it's because of this need to be in a world other than my own rn
I just graduated university yesterday and that's what I've felt throughout those years and i totally feel the same way as you.
@@JM-pl1ue CONGRATULATIONS!!! Hoping to be on the same side as you very soon!!!
The preassure cooker comparison is so true i feel like that too
I'm still two years from graduation but I feel the same way. I switched my major three times and at this point I kinda want to move to a small town and farm. I actually learned how to farm for an unrelated reason but honestly I'm half tempted
I was friends with a girl I had an unrequited crush on who ended up ghosting me after we graduated from high school without any reason. I ended up playing Stardew Valley as a coping mechanism just so I could stop thinking about her. Eventually, while I gradually began to try to reach perfection something changed. Suddenly I was able to look to the future thanks to this game and realize that though my friend ghosting me was painful, I still have a lot of years ahead of me to make better memories. I will be forever thankful for this game.
the reason may have been how uncomfortable it is to be the subject of an unrequited crush. just sayin
@Romanticoutlaw Ghosting a friend is a shitty thing to do, unless you feel they are a threat.
Assuming it's a friend and not a stranger, then merely "feeling uncomfortable" is not a valid reason, it's fear of confrontation and cowardice. Just saying.
@@liljepolak8565No one owes anyone anything, especially their time. The pain comes from (one sided) expectations that were not met. It's better to explain yourself when you bow out, but you're certainly not obliged to.
@@nomms No one owes anyone anything, but usually people try their best not to hurt others
@@liljepolak8565 people move on and get busy. That's life. Just bc OP thinks she ghosted him doesnt mean it's true
Never have I ever felt a stronger case of "I'm in this video."
Love your video essay style.
Thank you so much!
This video is very accurate. I grew up a fan of harvest moon because as a kid the fun adventure aspect was what I needed to escape my reality. As an adult the real world problems of corruption, addiction, depression, abuse, etc found in Stardew valley not only makes it more relatable, it makes it more rewarding to control the outcome of your life there. You may not remove the corrupt authority figure but you can help people and make the valley a better place. Tiny acts of kindness are appreciated but with a more realistic feedback from the perspective of an adult.
Thank you for the amazing video, it made me realize why I couldn't bring myself to play harvest moon anymore haha.
So glad you found the video enjoyable! (: And yeah something I don't talk about in the video that you've kinda hit on here is the difference in audience age as well! Gaming being a more adult accessible hobby now probably helped stardew valley out! Not many young children ever feel a need to get away from their jobs hahaha!
If it wasn't so expensive, I would love to just get a piece of land out in the middle of nowhere and start a little farm near a small town.
I used to be embarrassed about this, but Stardew Valleu inspired me to learn about gardening in real life. It's hard, especially in the climate I live in, and every time I plant new seeds I learn something new about what kinds of bugs are attracted to that plant, and what happens when I water too much or too little or use the wrong soil. My new sunflowers are currently plagued by aphids. But they're problems I'm excited to deal with. I'm currently researching and planning for raising backyard chickens. I'm going to have to figure out how to keep them safe from hawks and how to recognize when they've become sick. I have Stardew Valley to thank for getting me through a lot, and for inspiring me to go sit in the sunshine in the morning and just look at my little sprouts. I'm losing faith that I'll have the glamorous career I wanted, but the things outside of work have been nice. I'm grateful for that.
That's so cool!! Thank you for sharing that, very neat to hear about how games inspire people in the real world!(:
I live in a farming community, and I still loved and valued playing Harvest Moon as a kid. It was familiar but also different enough that I got sucked in.
You nailed the differences in tone. Yes, some of the early Harvest Moon titles still hit on the melancholy, but those scenes were never the main draw. While people I know who play Stardew are always asking what cutscenes and secrets each other have found.
That’s awesome to get the perspective of someone who grew up around farming on the impact of these games! Thanks for the insight!
Thank you for your kind comment as well!(:
this is possibly my favourite video essay I’ve ever seen. you illustrated my thoughts on why I love this game so perfectly. thank you for making this wonderful video!
Bless you!! So pleased you enjoyed it! It's such a special game to me and many others! I had to talk about it haha!
Lovely essay! I’m a long time farming game fan (and other management games) and I find that SDV captured a similar energy to my first gaming game HM:AWL. One of the most memorable things about AWL was the quiet ambiance of just the birds and your footsteps as you traversed town.
This was a fantastic video essay! As the end of the semester is approaching I am finding myself unbelievably stressed about finals. I have turned to Stardew as a coping mechanism (I'll admit it is a form of escapism at times). You are totally right in the way that we expect the escape to be easy but are instead met with more challenges reminding us that nothing worth doing is easy. It was a little sad in the middle because I related too much to the video lol, but the ending was so well done. It's not about escaping, but feeling like we matter. Truly this is wonderful content and I am excited to explore your channel some more.
Noooo don't be sad the overall message is a positive one haha! Seriously though thank you for the kind words! Best of luck with finals! You got this!! And there's no shame in using Pelican Town to unwind for a bit! (:
I needed this right now. I've been using Stardew to get away from a lot of things. But now that I can identify why I'm using it as a coping mechanism, I might be able to find longer-lasting ways of feeling the emotions it gives me.
Thank you.
I can’t tell you how unbelievable it is to me that something I wrote down might have actually positively impacted someone in some way, Truely thank YOU for this comment, that means so much! And remember, you absolutely matter!!
I went through a really nasty breakup when I first discovered this game about 7 years ago. It helped me get through a really hard period in my life, being cheated on and left alone during a very dark time. I still hold Stardew Valley very close to my heart to this day because it helped me escape reality and healed a lot of wounds I once had before. This game had and still does have such a huge impact on my life, I hope to introduce my daughters to it someday.
I'm so sorry that happened to you! I'm glad Stardew was able to bring you some peace in such a hard time!
Wasn't expecting this to be so emotional, really good!
It's a deep one for sure! Awesome it's resonating with people.
what minecraft failed to give me in solo mode, stardew completely embraces me with - most games I played through my life I always wanted to share the joy of, so I would go for multiplayer options. Minecraft was creative, my get-away card whenever, but I felt bored very fast very soon there, because there was no "congratz, you did it" other than defeating the ender dragon. stardew though, I was playing for a very long time when it came up suddenly as a topic with a friend of mine and found out that she also was playing it for a while. we practically grew up together, spending half of my free time after school just hanging out with her, and I didn't know she played stardew valley.
of course nowadays we play every now and then in multiplayer, but solo is still our go-to choice. and it's great. it's really the perfect get-away game, to just relax, to get out of the daily grind, and also to look positively for the future in real life. the game was a big change for me too, and just as I was getting back into the gloomy mindset, the new patch came out and now I'm back to it again. and it's not pressuring me, I don't always play - what I do miss about many games nowadays... since I play genshin too, which requires daily attention, and doing practically the same thing over and over again, it's quite a chore (but I'm also determined) but stardew greets me just as great any day I'm up for it.
I think you're 100% right about Minecraft, it's a fun escape and I do adore that game but it can be quite a lonely and haunting experience! Stardew certainly isn't! Thanks for your insight!(:
I'm not sure how many of you played Harvest Moon on the SNES, I did play it back in 1998. It had the same exact addictive hook that Stardew does now. Huge respect for ConcernedApe but at least 60% of what makes Stardew great was in SNES Harvest Moon.
Absolutely agree! That was part of what inspired me to look into why it got so overlooked (more so culturally, numbers wise it did pretty well!) and Stardew Valley blew up as much as it did!, hopefully this video answers that somewhat(:
Im only halfway in and really enjoying the video, but I have to say the line “but why in 2016?” got a pretty good laugh from me, like brother do you *remember* 2016? 😂😂
The 2016 thing is so crazy to me bc I remember everyone hating it but so many people romanticise summer of 2016 on Twitter!?
i’m not a very good place in life right now, and admittedly this video was not what i wanted to see as someone who’s both struggling with escapism and going through another major stardew obsession, but i decided to watch anyways. i don’t think people like being called out, and i can certainly be one of those people sometimes, but this video was a bittersweet surprise. your editing style is engaging, understandable, and not overdone like a lot of channels are nowadays. it really hooked me, so kudos to you! as i watched more, i understood that this was less of a callout and more of an observation. so defenses lowered, i finally finished your video and i think your narrative and perspective on such a somber topic was actually really helpful for me.
of course the idealistic life for a lot of us would be to disappear into a lush valley filled with unique people, all sorts of secrets, and a rewarding lifestyle. heavy on that last part. but that’s not reality, and once i stopped groaning and sighing about how i’ve heard this message so many times before, i think i understand now. it is possible to experience those things, to feel a sense of freedom and control and outcome in our lives, but i think in order to begin feeling that, we have to let go of the desire to restart everything. to start over, to redo everything because it didn’t happen exactly how we wanted it to. be okay with how we are, where we are, as we are. we will never get a clean slate, and maybe that’s a good thing, because the one we have is irreplaceable.
great video, sent me into an existential crisis 😭
Beautifully put. Really means a lot to us that you resonated with the videos as much as you did. Charlie didn't write this piece for views , it's something we've all felt or will feel in the future. Thank you for watching.
(Charlie here, Luke was commenting before) I just wanted to follow up and say that I’m sorry to hear you’re struggling right now! As Luke mentioned, this video was honestly written as something of a self help piece and a sort of introspective on a fantasy I keep having about running away so I absolutely relate on that part!
That said this was absolutely meant as a positive piece and as I mention in the video, I think escaping to stardew valley now and then is absolutely fine if it helps you somewhat!(:
Hope things start to improve for you! It’s not easy out there but we all absolutely matter and I’m sure you’ll do great!(:
This comment is insightful because once I read the "we have to let go of the desire to restart everything" part, it just made sense. It's so easy to hold back and hide in fear with the uncertainty of the future but we can grow, things can change, we just have to start from where we are.
Hoping for good things for you, may whatever hardship you're going through pass and I want to let you know that I'm glad that you exist. It feels less lonely knowing there's someone like me going through escapism, aware but still using it to cope with life. I see nothing wrong with it in moderation, but I do isolate myself too much within this comfort. Still I am rooting for you, I am rotting for us! I got to see this comment and realize something important. Thank you. Take care and have a great day!
I relate to this a lot. I kept avoiding this video because I was worried it would call me out for things I already feel a lot of shame around. I hope we can both have the strength to keep going with the lives we have and work to improve them and experience the security we so badly want.
I really love your approach to this! The switch between analysis and what its like in the valley from the farmers perspective is really unique !
Thank you for the kind words! Pumped you enjoyed the approach!! We hoped it would help break the video up and allow for some more fun scenes!(:
I'm so glad I came across your video. I really needed this to not feel alone, Ive been re-playing Stardew Valley on my switch and its truly an escape to all this stressful life.
Keep up the good work !
You really have something special. 🎉
Stardew Valley has gotten me through many tough times! You’re not alone! (: thank you so much for the kind words!!
Awesome video 💜
Thank you so much!!! That means a lot!!(:
Commenting to appease the algorithm and let you know that I adore your editing style!
Really appreciate the help! Glad you enjoyed it , a lot went into this one!
i love how well put together this video is, it's evident just how much work went into it! And it's criminal how it hasn't been pushed more by the algorithm
Really glad you enjoyed it! It's so far trending as one of our best yet. We're just happy to see people resonating with the video so much.
love the way you scored this, this is great! I've been waiting for a good stardew valley video essay and you have delivered :))
yay! thank you so much thats really nice to hear!(:
This deserves more hype! this was amazing keep it up!!
So glad you enjoyed it!! :) Thank you!
What a great video. As someone working on my own game, this helped a lot!
great essay! really captured all the emotions, love the intermissions that show the farmers life
A lot of details went into them, glad you enjoyed it!
Great job dude!
Driving to my full office job listening to this has definitely helped put me into a better mood. With 1.6 out I’ve never been more excited to play stardew for even just an hour after work to destress. Your channel is underrated for sure.
Thank you so much!! I'm so glad we could have even a small positive impact on your mood!(: You got this!!
I’m a long time SDV player, but I had to put my beloved fur angel to sleep yesterday. The only peace I could find today was in the valley.
Pure escapism when real life is too hard.
Nice video essay! I'll keep watching to see what you talk about next and how you improve :)
Thank you so much! Hope you enjoy our other content (:
I used to play Harvest Moon when I was little. I don't really play games except the sims. But Stardew Valley is different even though I have phase to play it all day and not playing at all. Stardew Valley helps me to what I can called compartmentalize my brain when life feels like too much to handle.
Thank you for making this video! Sums up a lot of what a lot of people are feeling including me. Stardew is so simple but so complex and you put this into words I could not.
That’s really nice of you to say!! Thank YOU for watching!(:
Excellent video essay. Really underrated :)
Much appreciated!
Underrated video comment. Really excellent ;)
This is an amazing and well thought out video.
Your analysis is logical and well considered.
Bravo!
Thank you so much!!(:
Wow what an amazing video. Thank you so much
I'm just realising that I'm way more connected to this game than I thought I was
Hahaha games sneak into your life like that!
This was hands down one of three best video essays I’ve watched in a LONG time!!
Thank you so much!!(:
Truly loved this video, and now I'm off to catch the other recent videos that somehow havent appeared in my sub box... Please keep it up!
That means a lot! thanks so much!(:
Commenting to boost!
I cant describe how immersive these types of videos are to me, you make good points!
Truly impressed. ⭐️
(As well as the fact that you take the time to reply to most of the comments! This deserves more views!)
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I’m glad you were able to get lost in the video!(:
And we try my best to reply to as many as we can! We’re just so grateful people are enjoying the stuff we make!(:
@@CharlieAndLuke of course! Hope to see you on my home page more!
This video was able to help me appreciate Stardew so much more than I already did. While it may be a game that requires a screen to enjoy thanks to the nature of video games, the sense of community and being there for others you mentioned is what makes it so great.
It really shows the level of impact Stardew Valley has on people where the sense of community shown within the game makes its way into the real world with so many people coming together to not only share their experiences, but also being there for new players to help them enjoy the game just as much as the veterans of the game.
Thank you so much for your kind words!! It really is a special game
Such a great video!!
Thank you!!(:
Harvest Moon 64 was a task. A different type of game for a 64 bit console. Still. It definitely helped teach me patience. This and Grandia 2 on DC were my first RPG’s. What a genre.
I've never seen anything like this, this was a well thought out and on point video!
Thank you!! Thats very kind of you!!
Thank you for creating and sharing this video. I’m graduating college in a few weeks and stardew valley has had a major impact on my life in all the ways you’ve described. There is something so beautiful in the community it has built and the message behind it. I didn’t expect for this video to make me emotional, but it was everything I needed to hear. Subscribed! ❤️
That's so awesome! I'm glad it helped you in some way!! The stardew community is one of the most wholesome I've ever been a part of and I'm so glad I was able to talk about it in a way that it seems most people are understanding (: Thank you so much for your support! We really appreciate it!!
Great video!!
Wow this video exactly sums up how I feel about this game and life. Thank you!
Thank YOU for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!(:
Brilliant video!
this was a beautiful video, it deserves so many more views!
thank you so much!! That means an awful lot (:
Keep it up! If you keep putting out this type of content you're gonna be the next summoning salt
Thank you so much! That’s super high praise!(:
@@CharlieAndLuke how do you get all the clips? Like what do you use to download them and store them ?
Subbed. This is true, Stardew is like my everyday mini vacation after work ❤️
YESSS, by far the most relaxing game I've played!
Phenomenal video, my friend. Well done.
Thank you so much!!
This video hit me at the perfect moment. I've been playing stardew valley again for the last few weeks and it's because of my current situation. I work two jobs and go to school full time. I'm overwhelmed and this game makes me feel grounded. Like I have control over my life and how I wish to live it. Everything is overwhelming all the time in our current society, and this game has been a great escape for me that I wish I could live in some form.
Sorry to hear things are so tough right now! They will get better! Just gotta keep showing the world what you're made of!
In the meantime, Stardew Valley serves as a wonderful comfort!(:
This video did not have to go as hard as it did, and I'm thankful it did. Absolutely brilliant.
Thank you for the kind words!! This was a pretty personal one for me so that means a lot!
This made me emotional thinking about how grateful I am for SDV. I feel purpose and value every time I play. This in turn affects my outlook on my own personal life too translating my hope in all aspects ❤ Beautiful video
thank you so much for the kind comment!(: glad you enjoyed it!
this was insightful and strangely emotional... one of the best stardew valley videos I've seen!
Thank you so much! Thats super high praise!!
At first this video seemed a bit overly deep- but even though I am only 18 and didn't live through the 90s, I still relate to this.
When I was a kid I only used a computer when I visited my grandparents. I only got a phone to call my mom if I needed something.
Social media hurts me, because of the expectations it brings out.
Thank you for this video
No age requisite for this video, think the emotions shared is something we all deal with. Glad you liked it!
Agree with other comments, amazing content for a channel that small, keep it up with the good work and it will grow soon, already subscribed!! Im glad i found it
That's awesome!! Thank you so much for the kind words! We certainly hope you stick around for that growth we're hoping for!(:
Great video, reminds me of one i watched a few months ago 'The Answer is Not a Hut in the Woods'
Thanks! I will have to check it out!!
Oh my gosh such a lovely little video that's paced, edited and scripted well! This really isn't getting enough attention
why thank you that's awesome of you to say!(:
I've wanted to escape since two years, from people that don't feel real conection, from working in stressful jobs, from my dreams that seems imposible. And lately with 1.6 I've played a lot of stardew valley, I didn't know why until I saw your video.
I was hoping a sad end, but you finish the video with a good mesage.
Thanks, and keep making good videos :).
Thank you so much for sharing and for your kind words!(:
Games got me through a lot of hard times. I remember playing Red Dead Redemption 2 in the pandemic and i would spend hours and hours doing nothing, just riding my horse in the wilderness.. Stardew Valley got to me in the same way and i love how you captured it. Great video, a truly hidden gem!
Thank you so much for the kind words!! I'm glad I was able to get my thoughts across in a way so many seem to have resonated with!(:
What a great video ❤ I don't really play games but stardew valley really hooked me, and it was during a particularly stressful time of my life. It's quite amazing that this game has been so powerful for so many of us!
It’s pretty incredible right??? I’m honestly so happy this is hitting so many people!(: glad you enjoyed it!
This was a great essay
Thank you so much! :D
Dude great video.
Thank you so much!!
a very interesting and thought provoking video, it has clearly resonated with a lot of people.
Thank you! that's nice of you to say!(:
dang just startin this video off with my favorite stardew valley song huh? very nice
How do you even have a favourite song from that soundtrack? It’s so full of bangers!
Sorry for the video not getting it recognization that it deserve
haha this is more than we ever hoped for, we're very happy!! I'm honestly heartwarmed by all the stories people are sharing here!
12:55 you can't get away from your problems because you are your problems silly your problems go where you do.
Great vid, glad the algorithm sent me this way! :)
Thank you so much! So glad you enjoyed it!(:
Nah 1.3 subs only with this good quality people need to subscribe.
haha thank you so much!(:
Great video! I highly recommend Cozy Grove if you’re a fan of Stardew Valley. It’s way more casual than SV but it hits those notes of making you feel that the work you do for others impacts their lives, while discovering their stories and secrets along the way. It has a clear sense of melancholy in some parts because everyone you’re helping is dead and you need to help them make peace with who they were. A great blend of Stardew Valley with Spiritfarer but much more casual and not as demanding of your time.
Thank you so much! Will have to check Cozy Grove out for sure!!
I'm happy now. It just feels good to say/type it while being honest.
Chapter 5 astounded me. You have earned a new subscriber for this beautiful video, one who struggles with everyday life due to my neurodivergent brain and plays this game every morning to self regulate. You helped me realize a reason why it comforts me so, and now that I'm aware, I can apply it better to my real life. Thank you.
This is beyond heartwarming, I'm genuinely flawed that even a couple of people have been positively impacted by some words I wrote down, I can't tell you how much it means! I wouldn't dare speak for others but I have a very close friend who also struggles with a neurodivergent brain and she stresses to me constantly how important self regulating is! You're so much more powerful than you think! You've got this!!
I just gotta say that this was well made video. It brought back a lot of memories of this game. A handful of years ago I wasn't in the best place mentally. There were countless evenings and nights where I played Stardew Valley to escape and forget my troubles. Everything about Pelican Town just felt right. The atmosphere and music was just perfect. Like you said a nice, quiet place free from distractions.
During my time lost in the valley, there was one inhabitant that spoke to me: Shane. His whole storyline just resonated with me, feeling like every day was the same. As he used alcohol to escape, I used the valley. While it may be silly, he truly has impacted my life. Similar to his higher heart events, I've opened up to the world and being there for the ones I love. Life is a lot brighter than before.
I haven't discussed these memories or experiences with anyone. It didn't feel right until I saw this in my recommended. Stardew Valley will forever be one of my favorite games. It is something sacred. I'm glad I've been able to experience it. Thank you for this video.
Thank you for sharing something so personal! I'm glad to hear life is going better for you now!(: And thank you for such kind words on the video as well!!
Wowza. That was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL way to explain what I’ve always been feeling. Add some parasocial tendencies to the mix, and you’ve got exactly why this game has saved me. Sending this to my therapist 😂
This video speaks to me deeply
Yeah holy shit this is amazing. I teared up at the end, not even kidding.
What a wonderful video❤
Why thank you!(:
I think Stardew Valley not only gave me escapism but also time. If I didn’t complete a task one day I could just continue the next without a problem. Mistakes weren’t horrifying like I usually found them. It helped me to plan some things out with the silly little seasons. It wrapped me up in a cycle of “just one more day” which to be honest is something I kinda need. I have really not great escapism habits but being able to say “one more day” makes things feel sorta bearable. It just sucks that we live in a society where I find myself lost and unable to function like a “normal” person.
I’m not sure if this is all I have to say on this because I’ve rewritten this comment several times now.
Defo can see that! Having time can certainly relieve a lot of pressure!
This is some fantastic content, even made me tear up a little because I relate to every part of this. Wanting to escape to a place where I can feel like I belong, like I matter. The weight of the world presses on every one of us, but in the valley life is beautiful.
that's incredible praise, thank you so much! You absolutely matter! We all do!(:
this is a special video to me
I recently became enamoured by Stardew Valley and have been pondering why its vibes hit so much more poignantly than do those of other farming sims I have played. Thanks for this, I really agree. I also think the music managed to powerfully convey and amplify the bittersweet quality of the game’s theme. It’s really an existential game if you choose to engage with it on that level.
Thats so nice of you to say! thank you so much! It certainly is and I think that's what makes it so great, it can mean as much as you need it to!
827 subscribers?? We gotta fix this!
I love this guy 🎉
top 10 game EVER made. No one can tell me otherwise.
I don't comment often but this is seriously underrated!
Ayeee thank you so much!! The kind words are much appreciated!(:
This is a great perspective - It's easy for us to romanticize but farming, mining etc is hard work!
Thank you so much! (: I'm glad you enjoyed it!!
Thank you for putting into to words how I’ve been feeling about this game lately. I’ve been coping with loss and a number of things out of my control in my life and this game has really helped me get through it. I brought my IRL friend their favorite pie recently and thought to myself “It’s like Stardew!” there are healthy ways this game helps me romanticize mundane chores in my life and motivates me to reach out to others. No other farming game has as much heart as Stardew Valley 💕
I'm sorry to hear you've been dealing with loss lately! But it's really cool to hear how stardew helped you through it! Thank you for sharing! Trading gifts for friendship is an oddly accurate reflection of reality isn't it? haha!
this video perfectly describes how i've felt since 2020, thank you
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!!(:
I think the reason why no farming sims have reached the height of stardew valley is because it's not just a farming sim. You could play stardew without farming and (forgetting the struggle of completing the community center) it would still be fun
definitely a ton to do in Stardew Valley, thats for sure!
I once completely dissociated for an entire day while playing Stardew.
whats the song at the start bro?
Funny enough, I actually sort of did a “stardew valley” in real life last year. Quit my work in the city, moved to my family farm permanently and started fixing up our old farmhouse to live in.
Let me tell you with complete certainty; this was a terrible idea. There is absolutely nothing to do in rural america, unless you like drinking. Folks don’t ask you for help, nor do they help you with things. Folks don’t share and barter like they used to. If you make some friends in town you might sneak zucchini onto eachother doorstep because you grew too much, but it’s not at all what you’d think rural life was like. Tried to start a garden in town and got a bunch of offers from people who wanted to sell their lot to me so they could leave; if I told them what it was for they’d just end the conversation.
Forget dating. There are ~500 people in the small towns around my farm. That is a brutally small sample size for finding a partner. Most people are too young, or too old, or already marred, and the ones who don’t get married early tend to leave the area as soon as they can (I did, to be fair). If you go to the city to find a partner and bring them back, they’ll hate the responsibility.
Farm work is very demanding; you’re working from sunrise to sundown most days and you are never guaranteed time off. I worked 10 hours every single day for all of May to finish planting, and we’ll be just as busy once harvest rolls around in the fall. Summertime is full of labor jobs with the animals at all times of the day.
And that’s all if you own the farm. If you just go work on a farm, you’re doing essentially the same thing but you get a meager salary and are just as alienated from work as you were in the city.
I’m not lazy; I did this shit growing up and hoped that I could get away from it if I found another job. Did very well in school and got into a great university. Life didn’t work out after that.
If you have friends in the city, don’t move out to the middle of nowhere and start a farm. It’s way more fun in the video game.
This is fascinating! Always enjoy hearing about people who really did this sort of thing! Thanks for sharing your insight!