{{Short description|American video game designer (born 1987)}} {{for|the French cyclist|Éric Barone}} {{Use American English|date=December 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2022}} {{Infobox person | honorific_prefix = | name = Eric Barone | image = Hackfort 2019 - Conversations with Eric Barone 09 (cropped).jpg | caption = Barone in 2019 | other_names = ConcernedApe | birth_name = Eric Lorenz Barone | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1987|12|3}} | birth_place = Los Angeles, California, U.S. | alma_mater = University of Washington Tacoma | occupation = {{Hlist|Video game developer|video game designer|composer|musician}} | years_active = 2008–present | citizenship = American | known_for = ''Stardew Valley'' | awards = | spouse = Amber Hageman | website = {{URL|concernedape.com}} | signature = Eric barone concernedape signature.svg }} '''Eric Lorenz Barone'''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-06-06 |title=Auburn-area students to graduate from UW on Saturday |url=https://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/auburn-area-students-to-graduate-from-uw-on-saturday/ |access-date=2024-12-12 |website=Auburn Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=December 13, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213172025/https://www.auburn-reporter.com/news/auburn-area-students-to-graduate-from-uw-on-saturday/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ({{IPAc-en|b|ə|ˈ|r|oʊ|n|i}} {{respell|bə|ROH|nee}},<ref>{{Cite web |last=Summers |first=Juana |date=2024-12-19 |title=The creator of video game 'Stardew Valley' talks its legacy and future |url=https://www.npr.org/transcripts/nx-s1-5217754 |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=NPR |language=en}}</ref> born December 3, 1987), known professionally as '''ConcernedApe''', is an American video game developer and musician.
He is best known for solo developing the 2016 video game ''Stardew Valley''. A video game developer with a degree in computer science, Barone handled every aspect of the game, from coding to composing its soundtrack. He worked alone on updates to the game for several years after its release, then later recruited a small team to assist with further development.
He continues to support ''Stardew Valley'' while working on his next project, ''Haunted Chocolatier''.
== Early life and education == Barone was born on December 3, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, and spent his childhood in Auburn, Washington, a suburb in the Seattle metropolitan area.<ref>{{Cite web |last=D'Amato |first=Lee |date=December 3, 2024 |title=''Stardew Valley'' Fans Wish ConcernedApe A Heartfelt 'Happy Birthday' While Still Cracking Jokes About The Best Gifts For The Developer |url=https://screenrant.com/stardew-valley-concernedape-birthday-gifts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260307090723/https://screenrant.com/stardew-valley-concernedape-birthday-gifts/ |archive-date=March 7, 2026 |access-date=March 7, 2026 |website=Screen Rant}}</ref><ref name="Forged">{{cite web |url=https://www.gq.com/story/stardew-valley-eric-barone-profile |title=Valley Forged: How One Man Made the Indie Video Game Sensation Stardew Valley |last1=White |first1=Sam |work=GQ |date=March 20, 2018 |access-date=November 14, 2022 |archive-date=March 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180320174831/https://www.gq.com/story/stardew-valley-eric-barone-profile |url-status=live }}</ref> He cited the ''Harvest Moon'' series as his childhood favorite that stayed with him into adulthood.<ref name="Forged" />
While not musically trained,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peppiatt |first=Dom |date=2022-12-16 |title=Music to harvest and relax to: how the Stardew Valley soundtrack caught the rhythms of the seasons |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/dec/16/stardew-valley-eric-barone-interview-soundtrack-seasons-high-scores |access-date=2025-05-19 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> Barone played music growing up, and was a member of several bands, including a nu metal band and an experimental pop band. For the latter's album, he created his first ever video game, a LucasArts-inspired point-and-click game.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Andy |date=2023-11-29 |title='Stardew Valley' creator Eric Barone discusses his life in music, concert tour, and 'Haunted Chocolatier' |url=https://www.nme.com/features/stardew-valley-eric-barone-concernedape-interview-orchestra-tour-haunted-chocolatier-3550713 |access-date=2025-05-19 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=October 10, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010074326/https://www.nme.com/features/stardew-valley-eric-barone-concernedape-interview-orchestra-tour-haunted-chocolatier-3550713 |url-status=live }}</ref>
He attended the University of Washington Tacoma and graduated in 2011 with a degree in computer science.<ref name="Forged" /> Eric Barone is the recipient of the 2019 University of Washington Tacoma Distinguished Alumni Award.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Eric |date=August 1, 2019 |title=The Love of the Game |url=https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/news/love-game |access-date=March 1, 2026 |website=University of Washington Tacoma}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Eric |date=August 1, 2019 |title=Stardew Valley Creator Named 2019 Distinguished Alumni |url=https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/news/stardew-valley-creator-named-2019-distinguished-alumni |access-date=March 1, 2026 |website=University of Washington Tacoma}}</ref>
Barone practiced basic programming but did not originally consider making video games as a career. Unable to find employment after graduating from college, he initially began developing ''Stardew Valley'' in order to practice programming in C#, and planned to put the game on his resume for potential employers.<ref name="Aftermath">{{cite web |last1=Grodt |first1=Jill |date=January 17, 2022 |title=Aftermath Of Success: Stardew Valley, Darkest Dungeon, And Valheim |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/01/17/aftermath-of-success-stardew-valley-darkest-dungeon-and-valheim |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117170635/https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/01/17/aftermath-of-success-stardew-valley-darkest-dungeon-and-valheim |archive-date=January 17, 2022 |access-date=November 14, 2022 |work=GameInformer}}</ref>
== Career == thumb|ConcernedApe brand logo used by Barone
=== ''Stardew Valley'' === thumb|Barone speaking on the development of ''Stardew Valley'' at Hackfort 2019 {{Further|Stardew Valley#Development}} Barone began working on ''Stardew Valley'' in 2012 and released it in 2016. He created the game entirely on his own,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Baker|first=Chris|title=The 4 years of self-imposed crunch that went into Stardew Valley|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-4-years-of-self-imposed-crunch-that-went-into-i-stardew-valley-i-|access-date=2021-01-18|website=www.gamasutra.com|date=March 9, 2016|language=en|archive-date=July 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718172936/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/267563/The_4_years_of_selfimposed_crunch_that_went_into_Stardew_Valley.php|url-status=live}}</ref> as its sole designer, programmer, animator, artist, composer, and writer. To complete the game, Barone worked on average 10 hours a day seven days a week<ref>{{cite web |last=Baker |first=Chris |date=March 9, 2016 |title=The 4 years of self-imposed crunch that went into Stardew Valley |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/the-4-years-of-self-imposed-crunch-that-went-into-i-stardew-valley-i- |access-date=November 24, 2025 |website=Game Developer |archive-date=July 18, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170718172936/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/267563/The_4_years_of_selfimposed_crunch_that_went_into_Stardew_Valley.php |url-status=live }}</ref> for four and a half years.
For part of that time, he lived with his parents to save money before moving out with his girlfriend to Capitol Hill, Seattle.<ref name=":1" /> While in Capitol Hill, his girlfriend Amber Hageman worked two jobs to support both of them. Barone worked a part-time job as an evening usher at the Paramount Theatre.<ref name="Forged" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |last=Schreier |first=Jason |url=http://archive.org/details/bloodsweatpixels0000schr |title=Blood, sweat, and pixels : the triumphant, turbulent stories behind how video games are made |date=2017 |publisher=New York : HarperCollins Publishers |isbn=978-0-06-265123-5 |pages=81–85 |author-link=Jason Schreier |url-access=registration |via=Internet Archive}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Meny |first=Ellen |date=April 15, 2020 |title=Auburn native develops beloved, bestselling video game |url=https://www.king5.com/article/tech/eric-barone-stardew-valley/281-7a596cc6-3c48-458b-bbda-672919d1c717 |access-date=2022-11-14 |website=KING 5 News |language=en-US |archive-date=December 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203194733/https://www.king5.com/article/tech/eric-barone-stardew-valley/281-7a596cc6-3c48-458b-bbda-672919d1c717 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Barone initially released ''Stardew Valley'' on the PC before later porting it to other consoles. As of February 2026, the game has sold over 50 million copies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Aydın |first1=Eda |title=Stardew Valley'nin Hapishane Temalı Yeni Modu Law and Order Yayınlandı |url=https://kayiprihtim.com/haber/stardew-valley-modu-law-and-order/ |access-date=December 29, 2024 |work=kayiprihtim |date=December 29, 2024 |language=tr |archive-date=December 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241229123249/https://kayiprihtim.com/haber/stardew-valley-modu-law-and-order/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stardewvalley.net/press/|title=Stardew Valley - Press|access-date=December 29, 2024|archive-date=December 30, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230133448/https://www.stardewvalley.net/press/|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2017, he was named by ''Forbes'' magazine in their list "30 Under 30: Games" for his work on ''Stardew Valley''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=30 Under 30 2017: Games |url=https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-2017/games/ |access-date=2022-09-22 |website=Forbes |language=en |archive-date=January 3, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103193539/https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30-2017/games/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Since 2019, Barone has been assisted on ''Stardew Valley'' by another designer and development team.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Olson|first=Mathew|title=Stardew Valley's Creator on Self-Publishing, the "Everything" Update, and His Future as a Solo Developer|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/stardew-valleys-creator-on-self-publishing-the-everything-update-and-his-future-as-a-solo-developer|access-date=March 24, 2021|website=USgamer|date=October 8, 2019|language=en|archive-date=October 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008193443/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/stardew-valleys-creator-on-self-publishing-the-everything-update-and-his-future-as-a-solo-developer|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==== Other media ==== {{Further|Stardew Valley#Other media}} In 2016, Barone released ''Stardew Valley: Original Soundtrack'', which contains the game's official soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 19, 2016 |title=Stardew Valley (Original Game Soundtrack) by ConcernedApe on Apple Music |url=https://music.apple.com/il/album/stardew-valley-original-game-soundtrack/1158129204 |via=music.apple.com |access-date=November 14, 2024 |archive-date=January 26, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250126094259/https://music.apple.com/il/album/stardew-valley-original-game-soundtrack/1158129204 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On August 15, 2020, the orchestral album ''Symphonic Tale: The Place I Truly Belong (Music from Stardew Valley)'' directed by Kentaro Sato and performed by the Budapest Symphony Orchestra was released.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Symphonic Tale: The Place I Truly Belong (Music from Stardew Valley) VGM Classics "Orchestra for Video Game Music!" Your classical record label for admired Video Game Music! www.VGM-Classics.org |url=https://vgm-classics.org/50-003-The_Place_I_Truly_Belong-e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505181032/https://vgm-classics.org/50-003-The_Place_I_Truly_Belong-e.html |archive-date=May 5, 2024 |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=vgm-classics.org |language=en}}</ref> The album includes 15 tracks from the game's original soundtrack.
In February 2021, Barone and board game designer Cole Medeiros released ''Stardew Valley: The Board Game'', a cooperative board game adaptation of ''Stardew Valley''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Ian Carlos |date=February 23, 2021 |title=Stardew Valley is now a cooperative board game |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/23/22297947/stardew-valley-board-game-on-sale-now-cooperativ |access-date=February 28, 2021 |work=The Verge |publisher=Vox Media |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227164044/https://www.theverge.com/2021/2/23/22297947/stardew-valley-board-game-on-sale-now-cooperativ |url-status=live }}</ref> After the first printing of the game went on sale, it quickly sold out. Sales were later reopened with several changes.<ref name="Revised">{{cite web |last1=Sheridan |first1=Connor |date=November 3, 2021 |title=Stardew Valley board game back on sale with revised cards and rules |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/stardew-valley-board-game-back-on-sale-with-revised-cards-and-rules/ |access-date=November 14, 2022 |work=GamesRadar+ |archive-date=November 3, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211103203205/https://www.gamesradar.com/stardew-valley-board-game-back-on-sale-with-revised-cards-and-rules/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Barone collaborated with Norihiko Hibino on an album series ''Prescription for Sleep''. The series remixes video game soundtracks with piano and saxophone. The ''Stardew Valley'' album was released in May 2021. It includes 10 tracks from the game's original soundtrack and one new track called "Beauty in the Seasons".<ref name="Sleep">{{cite web |last1=Makuch |first1=Eddie |date=April 29, 2021 |title=Stardew Valley's Music Gets Lovely Lullaby Remix In Prescription For Sleep Album |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/stardew-valleys-music-gets-lovely-lullaby-remix-in-prescription-for-sleep-album/1100-6490672/ |access-date=October 21, 2022 |work=GameSpot |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501140439/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/stardew-valleys-music-gets-lovely-lullaby-remix-in-prescription-for-sleep-album/1100-6490672/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In October 2023, Barone announced the first ''Stardew Valley'' concert tour, ''Stardew Valley: Festival of Seasons'', featuring a selection of music from the game performed live by a chamber orchestra.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2023-10-11 |title=Stardew Valley "Festival Of Seasons" Concert Tour Announced |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/stardew-valley-festival-of-seasons-concert-tour-announced |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=Nintendo Life |language=en-GB |archive-date=May 1, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250501141304/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/10/stardew-valley-festival-of-seasons-concert-tour-announced |url-status=live }}</ref> In November 2024, Barone announced ''Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons'', the second ''Stardew Valley'' concert tour, featuring new arrangements of the game's music performed by a 35-piece orchestra.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 20, 2024 |title=Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons 2025/'26 Tour Dates Announcement - IGN |url=https://www.ign.com/videos/stardew-valley-symphony-of-seasons-202526-tour-dates-announcement |via=www.ign.com |access-date=November 20, 2024 |archive-date=November 20, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241120173050/https://www.ign.com/videos/stardew-valley-symphony-of-seasons-202526-tour-dates-announcement |url-status=live }}</ref>
Barone was the co-author of ''The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook'', which was released on May 14, 2024. The book includes more than 50 recipes adapted from the in-game recipes featured in ''Stardew Valley''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lada |first=Jenni |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Official Stardew Valley Cookbook Makes It Easy to Cook Homey Meals |url=https://www.siliconera.com/official-stardew-valley-cookbook-makes-it-easy-to-cook-homey-meals/ |website=Siliconera |access-date=November 4, 2024 |archive-date=October 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008175307/https://www.siliconera.com/official-stardew-valley-cookbook-makes-it-easy-to-cook-homey-meals/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Barone's musical compositions from ''Stardew Valley'' are regularly featured on Northwest Public Broadcasting's video game music radio program, ''Press A To Play''. Music from ''Stardew Valley'' was first featured on ''Press A To Play's'' second episode ''Pacific Northwest Independent Games''. It was also featured in ''Indie Darlings'' and ''Games We Played in 2020''.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date= |title=Press A to Play |url=https://www.nwpb.org/pressa/ |access-date=2025-07-03 |website=Northwest Public Broadcasting |language=en-GB}}</ref>
=== Other projects === In 2008, Barone released his first game, known as ''17CF Quest'', which was also a promotion for the music group ''17 Colorful Feathers''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Sarah |date=March 22, 2018 |title=Stardew Valley Creator Eric Barone Shares First Game He Ever Made |url=https://games.mxdwn.com/news/stardew-valley-creator-eric-barone-shares-first-game-he-ever-made/ |website=games.mxdwn |access-date=October 14, 2024 |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507011021/https://games.mxdwn.com/news/stardew-valley-creator-eric-barone-shares-first-game-he-ever-made/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The game's main character is found as a piece of furniture in ''Stardew Valley''.
In 2011, Barone created a comic book series called ''Wumbus World''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-04-19 |title=WumbusWorld -- Intergalactic Comic Strip |url=http://wumbusworld.com/index.php?strip=1 |access-date=2024-12-11 |archive-date=April 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419182949/http://wumbusworld.com/index.php?strip=1 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2014, Barone took a month-long break during the development of ''Stardew Valley''. During this break, Barone used his time to piece together a small mobile game to release on Android. The game was titled ''Air Pear'' and was released on March 6, 2014. In the game, players would need to guide a purple pear on a hoverboard between obstacles and compete for a high score.
In October 2021, Barone announced that a new game, ''Haunted Chocolatier'', was under development.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Machkovech|first=Sam|title=Stardew Valley's creator announces pixel-art followup Haunted Chocolatier|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/10/stardew-valleys-creator-announces-pixel-art-followup-haunted-chocolatier/|access-date=2021-10-21|website=Ars Technica|date=October 21, 2021|language=en|archive-date=October 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021214004/https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2021/10/stardew-valleys-creator-announces-pixel-art-followup-haunted-chocolatier/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the game, the player will run a chocolate shop. It will have a greater focus on combat than in ''Stardew Valley''. Barone stated that "almost everything in ''Haunted Chocolatier'', including the combat, is completely coded (and drawn) from scratch."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bolding |first=Jonathan |date=October 31, 2021 |title=Here's a bit about Haunted Chocolatier's combat |language=en |work=PC Gamer |url=https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-a-bit-about-haunted-chocolatiers-combat/ |access-date=2022-06-19 |archive-date=June 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619151015/https://www.pcgamer.com/heres-a-bit-about-haunted-chocolatiers-combat/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2022, Barone collaborated on an animated music video with indie pop band Alvvays for the band's song "Many Mirrors". Barone is responsible for the video's animation and it was his first time working with 3D animation.<ref name="VIDEO">{{cite web |url=https://screenrant.com/concernedape-interview-eric-barone-talks-alvvays-haunted-chocolatier/ |title=ConcernedApe Interview: Eric Barone Talks Alvvays, Haunted Chocolatier |last=McClure |first=Deven |date=December 15, 2022 |website=Screen Rant |access-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303201146/https://screenrant.com/concernedape-interview-eric-barone-talks-alvvays-haunted-chocolatier/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
In 2024, Barone announced that he played in a Seattle-based steelpan band.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9Ha4VJpPfA|title=A Chat With the Creator of Stardew Valley (ConcernedApe)|date=November 8, 2024|via=YouTube}}</ref>
Barone voiced one of the characters in the video game ''Hollow Knight: Silksong'', which was released in 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peters |first=Jay |date=September 4, 2025 |title=Stardew Valley's creator is in Silksong |url=https://www.theverge.com/news/771772/hollow-knight-silksong-stardew-valley-eric-barone-concernedape |access-date=November 24, 2025 |website=The Verge |archive-date=November 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251122114744/https://www.theverge.com/news/771772/hollow-knight-silksong-stardew-valley-eric-barone-concernedape |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== Philanthropy === In May 2021, Eric Barone funded key upgrades (including watering systems and a greenhouse) for the Giving Garden at UW Tacoma's campus (21st & Fawcett). His donations also established a paid student coordinator role, helping the garden donate 200+ lbs of food annually.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tacoma.uw.edu/sites/default/files/2021-05/UWTacoma-Campaign-Impact-Report_ACCESSIBLE.pdf|title=Boundless Impact Campaign Philanthropy Report|date=May 1, 2021|via=Website}}</ref>
In July 2024, Eric Barone donated at least $25,000 to Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust. The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is a 501(3)c non profit organization, which works to steward the 1.5-million-acre landscape that stretches from Seattle to Ellensburg along I-90.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=871684304986863&id=100064359056846|title=ConcernedApe Corporate Champion|date=July 12, 2024|via=Facebook}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mtsgreenway.org/support/corporate-support/|title=Mountains to Sound Greenway Corporate Support|date=July 12, 2024|via=Website}}</ref>
In December 2025, MonoGame announced that Barone had supported the project with an initial donation of $125,000, and a commitment to make $1,250 regular monthly donations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/games/eric-barone-makes-usd125-000-donation-to-the-c-framework-stardew-valley-uses-as-well-as-an-ongoing-monthly-commitment-in-what-the-team-behind-it-calls-an-extraordinary-show-of-support/|title=Eric Barone makes $125,000 donation to the C# framework Stardew Valley uses, as well as 'an ongoing monthly commitment' in what the team behind it calls an 'extraordinary show of support'|last=Wagner|first=Justin|website=PC Gamer|date=December 30, 2025|access-date=January 15, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251230212747/https://www.pcgamer.com/games/eric-barone-makes-usd125-000-donation-to-the-c-framework-stardew-valley-uses-as-well-as-an-ongoing-monthly-commitment-in-what-the-team-behind-it-calls-an-extraordinary-show-of-support/|archive-date=December 30, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/live/KqSG81z0Qq8?si=3vkHKpXXD7kHm5WL|title=ConcernedApe MonoGame Donation|date=January 1, 2026|via=YouTube}}</ref>
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="font-size: 95%" |- valign="bottom" ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Award ! scope="col" | Category ! scope="col" | Work ! scope="col" | Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}} |- | rowspan="10" | 2016 | rowspan="3" | Golden Joystick Awards | Best Indie Game | rowspan="10" | ''Stardew Valley'' | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="3" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Sheridan |first=Connor |date=November 18, 2016 |title=Overwatch scoops five awards, Firewatch wins Best Indie Game: Here are all the Golden Joystick winners |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/golden-joystick-awards-2016-winners/ |work=GamesRadar+ |publisher=Future plc |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref><br /> <ref>{{cite web |last=Loveridge |first=Sam |date=November 18, 2016 |title=Golden Joystick Awards 2016: Winners in full |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/videogames/golden-joystick-awards/news/a814964/golden-joystick-awards-2016-winners/ |work=Digital Spy |publisher=Hearst UK |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | PC Game of the Year | {{nom}} |- | Breakthrough Award | {{Won}} |- | The Game Awards 2016 | Best Independent Game | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Stark |first=Chelsea |date=December 1, 2016 |title=The Game Awards 2016 winners list |url=https://www.polygon.com/2016/12/1/13784410/the-game-awards-winners |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | 17th Game Developers Choice Awards | Best Debut | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=March 1, 2017 |title=Overwatch Wins Game Of The Year; Full List Of GDCA Winners |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/overwatch-wins-game-of-the-year-full-list-of-gdca-/1100-6448326/ |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | Independent Games Festival | Seumas McNally Grand Prize | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Pitcher |first=Jenna |date=March 1, 2017 |title=Inside wins big at the Independent Games Festival Awards |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/3/1/14786900/independent-games-festival-awards-winners |work=Polygon |publisher=Vox Media |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | SXSW Gaming Awards | Most Promising New Intellectual Property | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |date=March 19, 2017 |title=SXSW Gaming Awards winners announced |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/here-are-the-2017-sxsw-gaming-award-winners/1100-6448819/ |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | 13th British Academy Games Awards | Best Game | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |last=Stuart |first=Keith |date=March 9, 2017 |title=Bafta games awards 2017: the winners in full |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/apr/06/bafta-games-awards-2017-winners-list |work=The Guardian |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" | The Steam Awards | The 'Best Use Of A Farm Animal' Award | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" rowspan="2" | <ref>{{cite web |title=Steam Awards 2016 winners |url=https://store.steampowered.com/SteamAwards/2016 |publisher=Valve |website=Steam |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | The 'I Thought This Game Was Cool Before It Won An Award' Award | {{nom}} |- | 2017 | The Steam Awards | 'The World Is Grim Enough Let's Just All Get Along' Award | ''Stardew Valley'' | {{won}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |title=Steam Awards 2017 winners |url=https://store.steampowered.com/SteamAwards/2017 |publisher=Valve |website=Steam |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | 2018 | The Steam Awards | Labor of Love | ''Stardew Valley'' | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |title=Steam Awards 2018 nominees and winners |url=https://store.steampowered.com/SteamAwards/2018 |publisher=Valve |website=Steam |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |- | 2024 | The Steam Awards | Labor of Love | ''Stardew Valley'' | {{nom}} | style="text-align:center;" | <ref>{{cite web |title=Steam Awards 2024 nominees |url=https://store.steampowered.com/SteamAwards/2024 |publisher=Valve |website=Steam |access-date=April 18, 2026}}</ref> |}
==See also== * List of musicians from Seattle
== References == {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{Wikiquote}} {{commons}} <!-- per WP:ELMINOFFICIAL, choose one official website only --> * {{Official website|https://www.concernedape.com/}} * {{IMDb name|id=8021626}}
{{ConcernedApe}} {{Stardew Valley}} {{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Barone, Eric}} Category:Stardew Valley Category:Living people Category:1987 births Category:University of Washington alumni Category:Musicians from Los Angeles Category:Artists from Los Angeles Category:Musicians from Seattle Category:Artists from Seattle Category:Indie game developers Category:American video game developers Category:American video game writers Category:American video game designers Category:American video game composers Category:American video game artists Category:American video game programmers Category:American cookbook writers Category:21st-century American composers Category:21st-century American male artists Category:21st-century American male composers