After someStardew Valleyfans point out the similar art styles and graphics of an upcoming indie game,Super Zoo Story, ConcernedApe followed up with his opinion on the matter, agreeing with the fans that believe the graphics are too comparable toStardew Valley.
Recently, an indie game known asSuper Zoo Storybegan turning heads online, but not necessarily in a good way. While some feedback toSuper Zoo Story’s Twitter updates was certainly positive, many other onlookers were concerned how closely its graphics such as its models, textures, and even dialogue text resembledStardew Valley’s. The game prides itself as being inspired byStardew Valley, but fans believe thatZoo Storymay have taken it too far, accusing its developer of “stealing” ConcernedApe’s art. Unfortunately,Zoo Story’s developers did not take well to these allegations, responding aggressively to commenters.
RELATED:Stardew Valley Mod Lets Players Save Anywhere
Amid the controversy, one fan going by the name ‘Sol’ online decided to reach out to ConcernedApe via Discord in a direct message. As fans expected, ConcernedApe kindly responds that he’s “never had an issue with” fans creating games inspired by his own, such as with thefarming simKynseed. After all,Stardew Valleystarted out as being heavily inspired by the originalHarvest Moongame for theSNES.
Harvest Moonwas the original farming simulator to adopt the popular format of raising crops, tending to livestock, and romancing a villager all on a short day/night cycle. Of course,Harvest Moonhas come a long way since then and has changed in the process, and Eric Barone, also known by his online username ConcernedApe, madeSprout Valleyas a way to relive the oldHarvest Moongames with his girlfriend. However, during the development process,Sprout Valleyturned into theindie farming simStardew Valleythat gamers fell in love with, becoming its own game entirely.
Still, as many fans say, the line between art and imitation looks to have been crossed in this case, and ConcernedApe agrees. “I do thinkSuper Zoo Storyhas taken it a little too far,” he replies to the concerned fan, also noting the attitude thatZoo Story’s developer has had in response to the controversy, several of which are somewhat hostile.
ConcernedApe agrees with the disgruntled fans regarding the suspiciously similar graphics, which could possibly be copied fromStardew Valley. “I think they should take the time to come up with their own style,” he says. ConcernedApe also says that he would be “not okay with” ripped art, in the event that it is copied, as some fans believe.
The graphical similarities, specifically when comparing a shot ofZoo Story’s Mary side-by-side withStardew Valley’s bachelorette Maru, have led to confusion among some fans, who initially thought this was a mod or another update. ConcernedApe is worried this game could be mistaken for his own work, he says to Sol.
Stardew Valleyis available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.
