### Celebrating a Decade of Stardew Valley: Insights and New Additions
As of today, **Stardew Valley** officially turns ten years old, marking a decade since its initial release. Created by Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, this beloved farming simulation game has captured the hearts of players worldwide. To commemorate this milestone, Barone released a 22-minute video showcasing early builds of the game, providing behind-the-scenes insights, and unveiling new marriage candidates that will be introduced in the upcoming 1.7 update.
#### New Marriage Candidates
Among the highlights of the announcement, two new characters have been revealed as potential marriage candidates for players looking to expand their in-game relationships:
1. **Sandy**: A villager residing in the **Calico Desert**, Sandy runs a shop called the Oasis. While not the most commonly considered character in the game, her addition offers players a unique opportunity to explore a relationship with her.
2. **Clint**: The other eligible character is none other than Clint, the local blacksmith. Despite being perceived as somewhat creepy by players, he adds an element of humor to the prospect of forming a relationship. His selection as a marriage candidate is both surprising and entertaining, providing a mix of intrigue and comedy.
#### A Look Back at Development
The video presented by Barone kicks off with a glimpse of *Sprout Valley*, the earliest version of Stardew Valley. Players can witness the evolution of the game, which has retained its essential charm despite significant graphical and mechanical enhancements over the years. The original build may appear rough and less polished, but the core essence of a farming simulation game remains intact, showcasing the game’s early vision and development process.
#### Conclusion
Stardew Valley’s ten-year anniversary is not just a celebration of its past but also a nod to its future, with exciting updates on the horizon. The new marriage candidates offer fresh opportunities for players, while the retrospective video highlights the game’s journey from concept to cultural phenomenon. Players eagerly await the 1.7 update, which continues to expand the world of Stardew Valley and keeps the farming sim experience vibrant and engaging.
