Stardew Valley is a highly rated cozy farming simulator that can have your heart racing with monster filled mines, the terrifying conclusion that you may not make it to your bed before 2 am, and, of course, wooing your favorite digital bachelor or bachelorette. The game is a narrative against capitalism and a welcome return to simple living, taking everything one day and one crop at a time. With the gamer’s character returning to their grandfather’s old farm, we are invited to become a family with the townspeople and help rebuild the titular community center. This warm game does not just embrace the norm of society but rather welcomes queerness, enforcing the idea that while society may consider queerness ‘other’, Stardew Valley welcomes all.
One of the farmer’s first tasks is introducing themselves to the townsfolk, immediately forming a connection with everyone in this digital world. Through gifts, heart events, and town festivals, the farmer grows closer to their found family. Haley is one of the characters you can romance who shows the most growth and has gained a lot of popularity from her hilariously and truthfully fitting the mean lesbian stereotype. As you and she grow closer, she grows as a person and learns to accept herself, embracing her passion for photography. The farmer seeking these connections and experiencing character’s growth alongside them mirrors the connection queer individuals seek. We are often having to have a found family when biological parents can’t put aside their prejudices. Sometimes we all just want to be a farmer in a loving and accepting community. Stardew Valley even has the option to have a platonic roommate rather than a romantic partner. Krobus is a popular choice in this category. This option alone furthers the aspect of creating your own family in this game. A good group of friends can replace biology in an instant.
Capitalism is the current norm for American society and consumes the country. Everything has become outlandishly priced and subscription based. This game provides a break and scratches this itch we humans have. We have a desire to be self-sufficient, that’s why people camp, hunt, and why dads love to watch YouTube videos about how to build the perfect shelter. As the farmer, we can fight against capital greed and literally take down capitalism during the climax. It’s a simple yet powerful statement in such a relaxing game. The resistance to this powerful entity can been seen as slight mirror to queer resistance against the typical heterosexual society. No matter how hard society tries to push ‘typical’ or ‘normal’, queer people have always and will always exist. We cannot be erased. So, yes just like the farmer stands up against the big bad so do queer people with every day they continue to embrace themselves.
Returning to the idea of these heart events. Once you reach ten hearts with your partner in the game, you can get married. Any gender can marry any gender. The only restrictions for marriage are the fact that we sadly can’t get any of the moms to divorce their husbands. The queer relationships in the game aren’t treated differently than the heterosexual ones. They aren’t a token like they are in high school shows, and aren’t seen as other. They are given the same respect, love, and development in straight relationships. This has created a safe space for anyone in the LGBTQ+ community.
In this seemingly simple world, queer individuals can find comfort in being treated totally and utterly equal. There is judgment for being who you are, but simple openness and love that is built into this cozy world’s code. Hopefully, one day the world can be a lot more like Stardew Valley, but until then, enjoy the family you have found and the valley you have created. Embrace who you are and if that means taking up farming, all the better. Create a safe space of your own and welcome others with open arms.
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