When it comes to games, it's easy to think of a form of shooting and killing monsters. However, times have changed and various indie games have appeared. The game I want to introduce this time is a one-person indie game called Stardew Valley. Everything from game design to ost was developed by one person over four years. It is a game where you can feel the sincerity by paying attention to the small details so that you might wonder how you did all of this by yourself.
The opening of the game is the story of a protagonist who does the same thing every day in a large company, beating everything and returning home. Remove weeds and stones from the field, plow the field with a hoe, plant seeds and water. When I work in the field, a day passes. If I spend the time given to me day by day, my own farm will soon be completed, and I am very proud to see it being completed. I hate housework in real life, but for some reason, I am good at organizing in games.
Suddenly a question arose. Why is this game so fun?
As the farm, which was initially insignificant, develops, harvesting a variety of crops and earning more money, I look at me developing day by day. At first, just watering the seeds didn't have enough energy, but as the farming level increased after upgrading the tools, I also watered them, and the energy remains even when I dig trees. They build chicken coops, buy chickens, and raise chicks first, and then they become adults and lay eggs. I am proud to watch this series of processes.
Stardew Valley has a very elaborate reward system. Life at work is unsatisfactory and lacks a sense of accomplishment, so they seek accomplishment elsewhere. Breaking small quests in the game, receiving rewards, and feeling fulfilled. If there's something different from everyday life, they're cursed for doing things at the company, and no one can hear that they did well, but in the game, even if they bring one pumpkin, they reward them with thanks and money. Maybe we are thirsty for compliments.
With my introduction, several people around have already started Stardew Valley, and I have something to say to beginners every time. “There is nothing to throw away in Stardew Valley.” Pebbles, wood, and even trash have uses. So, the best part of this game is to put all the items together and use them properly when needed.
Stardew Valley is a story contrary to the reward system. There is a reward system that is faster and more reliable than reality, but it is not an instant reward like other games. Everything is intertwined. Don't neglect anything. If you don't water it for a day, the plants won't grow, and if you don't fence it, weeds will grow in the field and the plants won't grow. Crows roam around at night, so you have to make a scarecrow in advance and plant it in the field. Chickens and cows should go every day to fill them with food and troughs, and express affection as they are pretty. The relationship with the villagers cannot be ignored. From the village chief to young children, you need to find out what gifts people like and bring them on your birthday.
