For all the Stardew Valley enthusiasts out there, we have exciting news! Shinichi Manabe and Takanori Tsuji, notable figures behind Rune Factory 3 and 4, are collaborating on a fresh farming simulation RPG titled Farnia Village. This game promises charming “fairy-tale inspirations” combined with cozy gameplay.
Manabe, who directed Rune Factory 4 and served as the lead programmer for Rune Factory 3, is leading development on Farnia Village alongside Tsuji, who crafted the narratives for both Neverland games. Similar to Rune Factory, Farnia Village merges the delightful mechanics of farming and life simulation genres with adrenaline-pumping RPG features. Players can expect dungeons, ruins, and dangerous adversaries adorning the walls of a wicked queen’s castle.
But don’t worry—Farnia Village checks all the boxes for the simulation genre we know and cherish. According to the developers on their newly launched Kickstarter page—which has swiftly exceeded its funding goal of $35,000 within just one day—the game offers a delightful array of activities: “Till the soil, go fishing, cook, forge, fall in love, care for your pets, explore the world…” And remember to peek at the community board for quests as well.
A Cozy Gaming Year on the Horizon
It seems 2025 is shaping up to be a remarkable year for cozy gaming, as the latest farming simulator from the franchise that inspired Stardew Valley collaborates on a “special” DLC with life JRPG-inspired Rune Factory.
Exciting Indie Developments
This indie strategy RPG, drawing inspiration from Final Fantasy Tactics and featuring anime-inspired fish and lizard characters, reached its Kickstarter funding in less than a week. With such an impressive pitch, are we really surprised?
New Multiplayer Ventures
Developers of Palworld have just announced Palfarm, a multiplayer farming life simulation that focuses less on survival gameplay and channels more of that Stardew Valley vibe. This comes just days after Nintendo unveiled its own Pokémon crafting and farming title, Pokopia.
Described as “a game crafted around a fantasy world you’d yearn to inhabit,” Farnia Village promises to offer enchanting “fairy-tale inspirations,” ensuring a whimsical touch that fans of Rune Factory will certainly appreciate. Moreover, players won’t find an end to gameplay once the story concludes. The developers have hinted, “This is a game where you can carry on living your life in the world you’ve completed!” This is fantastic news for those of us who tend to lose all self-control while indulging in farming games.
While a release date hasn’t been announced for Farnia Village yet, its Steam page is available for wishlisting, and the Kickstarter campaign still has a strong month ahead. Excuse me while I get ready to support this exciting project!
Don’t forget to check out our compilation of the most thrilling upcoming games for 2025 and beyond to find more titles to add to your wishlist.