Why Stardew Valley Should Be the Next Successor to Balatro and Dave the Diver

Stardew Valley has risen to prominence as a leading figure in the indie gaming universe since its debut in 2016, casting a long shadow over the landscape with its resounding success. Even with almost ten years under its belt, the game continues to flourish. Last year brought one of Stardew’s most pivotal updates with patch 1.6, yet there’s still plenty of room for it to expand further.

While Stardew Valley has paved the way for numerous indie developers over the years, now might be the perfect moment for this beloved game to take a page from the latest indie successes. Games like Balatro and Dave the Diver are showcasing exciting crossover content, and Stardew Valley could certainly benefit from joining the trend.

Balatro turned heads last year, much like Stardew did in its heyday. Developed by the solo talent LocalThunk, this charming card game has pulled in collaborations with an impressive spectrum of games. From smaller titles such as Cult of the Lamb and Among Us to blockbuster hits like Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3, Balatro offers a delightful array of options.

Similarly, Dave the Diver embraces this collaborative spirit. Building on its recent DLC team-up with Like a Dragon and crossover events with indie favorites like Potioncraft, the game continues to deliver fresh content. Dave the Diver even aims to broaden its horizons with planned spin-offs, though it’s the charm and creativity of its current crossover ventures that keep players engaged.

Interestingly, Dave the Diver and Balatro have teamed up for crossover content, with Balatro also incorporating Stardew Valley into its Friends of Jimbo 2 pack. This exchange of ideas shows how indie games can thrive through collaboration.

While Balatro and Dave the Diver certainly shine, Stardew Valley remains the king of the indie mountain. Imagining Dave the Diver making his way to Pelican Town or a jester’s hat from Balatro popping up in the game isn’t a stretch. Eric Barone, the mastermind behind Stardew Valley, is known for his dedication to the game. Introducing such crossover content could be a thrilling new chapter for the game he’s nurtured.

With Stardew Valley surpassing sales of 41 million copies, its impact is undeniable. However, as enticing as crossovers might be, there’s the consideration of where Barone’s energy is best spent—whether expanding Stardew Valley’s universe or focusing on his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier.

Barone’s next adventure, Haunted Chocolatier, is already generating buzz. Announced in October 2021, this game explores the whimsical story of a chocolatier living in a haunted castle. Barone admitted that the work on Stardew’s latest update delayed progress on Haunted Chocolatier, bringing to light the delicate balance of priorities.

Although tapping into Balatro and Dave the Diver’s crossover strategies could elevate Stardew Valley, it might also delay the much-anticipated release of Barone’s next title. Whether the crossover gates open for Stardew remains a mystery, but if it does happen, it would be a significant milestone for this indie gem.