For the ten-year anniversary of the beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley, developer Eric Barone introduced two new marriage candidates for the upcoming 1.7 update. One of these is a fan favorite, while the other has raised some eyebrows.
Let’s talk about Clint. He’s the blacksmith in Pelican Town and has a quirky goatee. However, his behavior is less than charming. Clint has an unsettling obsession with another woman in town, which comes off as creepy. As you befriend him, you realize he doesn’t treat women as equals. When you reach a point in your relationship with him, you can confront him about this, suggesting he should consider women’s feelings. Honestly, the thought of being friends with someone who needs that reminder is off-putting.
In contrast, there’s Sandy, the cute shopkeeper from the desert area. She has pink hair and a bright personality. As one player noted on Bluesky, we now have “Town Sweetheart and Dr. Pervert” as new options. It’s clear many players are leaning toward Sandy, and many hope for a storyline that redeems Clint.
While the reception of the new characters has varied, it reflects broader trends in gaming where players crave relatable and respectful characters. A recent survey by Game Developers Conference found that over 60% of gamers value character depth and development in storytelling.
In a world where character interactions matter, Clint seems to be falling short. Many players are excited to marry Sandy as a refreshingly charming alternative. After all, in games, as in life, smart choices can lead to happier outcomes!
