After some Stardew Valley fans 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 to Stardew Valley.
Recently, an indie game known as Super Zoo Story began turning heads online, but not necessarily in a good way. While some feedback to Super 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 resembled Stardew Valley's. The game prides itself as being inspired by Stardew Valley, but fans believe that Zoo Story may 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.
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 the farming sim Kynseed. After all, Stardew Valley started out as being heavily inspired by the original Harvest Moon game for the SNES.
Harvest Moon was 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 Moon has come a long way since then and has changed in the process, and Eric Barone, also known by his online username ConcernedApe, made Sprout Valley as a way to relive the old Harvest Moon games with his girlfriend. However, during the development process, Sprout Valley turned into the indie farming sim Stardew Valley that 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 think Super Zoo Story has taken it a little too far," he replies to the concerned fan, also noting the attitude that Zoo 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 from Stardew 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 of Zoo Story's Mary side-by-side with Stardew 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 Valley is available now on Mobile, PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.