The Unpaid Collaboration: Stardew Valley Creator Comments on Controversial Infinity Nikki Crossover

In a surprising twist that has sent shockwaves through the cozy gaming community, Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the creator of the beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley, has been forced to address a firestorm of controversy surrounding a newly announced collaboration. The crossover, which will see elements of Stardew Valley integrated into the open-world dress-up game Infinity Nikki, has drawn sharp criticism from fans who feel that Barone is “selling out” to a gacha-based, free-to-play title with a controversial history of its own. However, in a statement that exemplifies his unique and celebrated approach to game development, Barone has clarified that he receives “zero money” from the collaboration, a fact that has both stunned and reassured his loyal fanbase.

The Backlash and the Unpaid Collab

The controversy began with a cryptic video from the official Infinity Nikki account, which showed a Junimo—a beloved spirit from Stardew Valley—entering the game’s world. This seemingly harmless announcement was met with a wave of backlash, primarily from fans who were concerned about the nature of the partnership. Infinity Nikki has been at the center of several controversies, including a messy, highly criticized update that changed monetization and story elements, leading to a community-organized “girlcott” after the term “boycott” was allegedly banned on its social channels. The combination of a respected, wholesome indie title collaborating with a game perceived as a “gacha cash grab” left many fans feeling betrayed and angry, leading to some outright harassment of Barone on social media.

In response, Barone took to Twitter to address the situation directly. “There have been a few collaborations between Stardew Valley and other games over the years,” he wrote. “To be clear, I never receive any money from these collabs. I’ve only done them because I was a fan of the other games, or because I genuinely thought the players would like it.” In follow-up replies to fans who insisted he should be compensated, Barone stated that he has “made enough from sales of the game,” and that he “wouldn’t want to make money from a collaboration.”

A Testament to Artistic Integrity

This statement, while surprising to many, is a perfect reflection of Barone’s long-standing philosophy. Unlike many developers who are driven by profits and corporate mandates, Barone has always prioritized his creative vision and the well-being of his community. The fact that he is willing to lend his IP to another game, an asset that could command a massive licensing fee, for no financial gain, is a testament to his artistic integrity. He has previously collaborated with other indie games, such as Terraria and Balatro, in a similar fashion. These partnerships were also based on mutual respect and a desire to create something fun for the fans, not for a financial windfall.

This puts the controversy into a new light. It’s no longer a story about a developer “selling out.” It’s a story about a developer who is so committed to his craft and so financially secure that he can make creative decisions without being influenced by profit margins. The collaboration is not a business transaction; it is a personal one, a nod from one creator to another. This is an almost unheard-of practice in an industry that is increasingly dominated by microtransactions, battle passes, and corporate greed. Barone’s decision is a breath of fresh air, a reminder that some creators are still driven by passion and a genuine love for their work.

What This Means for the Future

While the collaboration with Infinity Nikki is still seen as a questionable choice by some—especially given the other game’s troubled history—Barone’s statement has largely diffused the anger and shifted the conversation back to his role as a humble, fan-focused developer. It highlights his unique position in the industry, a one-man team who has created one of the most successful indie games of all time and has used that success to maintain his creative freedom. The incident serves as a powerful reminder of why fans love Stardew Valley and its creator so much. In an era where corporate-driven gaming is the norm, Eric Barone continues to be an exception to the rule, proving that sometimes, the best collaborations are the ones that can’t be bought.