Stardew Valley Creator Weighs Adultery and Divorce Mechanics: 'Morally Against It'

Breaking: ConcernedApe Addresses Adultery and Divorce in Stardew Valley

Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the solo developer behind the beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley, has acknowledged he is “open” to the idea of adding adultery and NPC divorce mechanics—but he remains firmly opposed on moral grounds.

In a recent interview, Barone explained that while he has considered such features, he ultimately finds them incompatible with the game’s cozy, wholesome atmosphere. The statement has sparked debate among players who have long requested more complex relationship dynamics.

Key Quote from the Developer

“I’m open to the idea on a technical level, but on a moral level I’m against it,” Barone told a gaming outlet. “I think it would introduce real-world emotional consequences that Stardew Valley isn’t built for. Everyone would hate you, and that’s not the feeling I want players to have.”

He added that he has not ruled out the possibility forever, but that any implementation would require careful thought to avoid harming the game’s core appeal.

Background: A Decade of Relationship Simplicity

Stardew Valley launched in 2016 with 12 marriage candidates. Once married, NPCs remain faithful and player characters cannot engage in romantic relationships with other villagers.

Divorce has always been a one-way mechanic: players can end a marriage by visiting the Mayor’s house, but former spouses never remarry or show jealousy. Adultery—defined as dating or marrying a second villager while still married—has never been possible.

The game’s code does contain references to “jealousy” and “ex-spouse” interactions, but these have never been activated for players. Barone has consistently prioritized the game’s “wholesome” tagline over realism in romance.

What This Means for Players

Barone’s comments suggest that official adultery or NPC divorce mechanics are unlikely to appear in future updates—at least under his current vision. The developer has already moved on to his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, though he continues to patch Stardew Valley.

Players who wish to simulate messy relationships must rely on mods. Third-party modifications already allow affairs, multiple spouses, and full divorce between villagers. Barone has previously praised the modding community, even if he chooses not to sanction certain features.

Community Reactions

The response on social media has been mixed. Some fans argue that adding realistic relationship consequences would increase immersion. Others worry it would break the game’s escapist magic.

“I play Stardew to relax, not to deal with marital drama,” wrote one user on Reddit. Another countered, “If I can divorce now, why can’t I cheat? It’s inconsistent.”

Looking Ahead: Moral Decisions in Game Design

Barone’s stance highlights a broader tension in game design: where to draw the line between player freedom and developer intent. Stardew Valley has always shied away from punishing mechanics, offering instead a safe space for farming and friendship.

For now, relationships in Pelican Town remain simple. The closest thing to betrayal is gifting a hated item or forgetting a birthday. Barone suggests that’s as far as he is willing to go.

“I want players to feel good when they play,” he said. “Adultery would just make everyone sad.”