Eric Barone, born on March 12, 1987 in Los Angeles, California, moved to Seattle, Washington at a young age. He attended the University of Washington Tacoma, where he graduated in 2011 with a degree in Computer Science. It was during his time in college that he began to pursue his passion for game development.
After graduating from college, Barone embarked on a journey to create his own video game. In 2012, he started working on what would later become known as Stardew Valley. Barone took on the monumental task of developing the game entirely on his own, including designing, artwork, animation, writing, and music.
Upon its release in 2016, Stardew Valley quickly gained widespread acclaim and recognition. The game was nominated for various awards and went on to win the Breakthrough Award at the Golden Joystick Awards that same year. It was a testament to Barone's dedication and talent as a game developer.
Stardew Valley became a massive success, surpassing all expectations. Within just two weeks of its release on platforms like Steam and GOG.com, the game sold over 400,000 copies. Within two months, it had exceeded 1 million in sales. The popularity of the game continued to grow, with Stardew Valley becoming the most downloaded game on the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
Aside from his work on Stardew Valley, Barone has also collaborated on various projects. He did 3D animation for a music video for the song "Many Mirrors" by Alvvays, a band that features singer Molly Rankin. This further showcased Barone's versatility and creativity as a game designer.
When he's not busy working on his next game or project, Barone enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the beautiful landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. His love for nature and simplicity often reflects in his work, particularly in the serene and peaceful setting of Stardew Valley.