By Stardew Valley developer Eric ‘ConcernedApe’ Barone didn’t anticipate that the life simulation’s most-despised character would be as unloved as he is, since, according to the maker, Pierre isn’t as terrible as some players suggest.
There’s an ongoing joke (sometimes serious) within the community about how incredibly unbearable Pelican Town’s local merchant Pierre can be. For one, he makes some doubtful remarks during his daughter Abigail’s storyline. He’s also keeping a ‘hidden stash’ from his spouse that players can confront him about. And maybe his greatest flaw? His shop is closed every Wednesday.
However, in a conversation with PC Gamer, Barone defends the diligent father who strives to maintain his small business against the encroachment of megacorp Joja Mart.
“I thought people wouldn’t favor Pierre, but I didn’t predict how strongly they would dislike him,” Barone stated. “And, I think, I somewhat advocate for Pierre. I believe he’s not as awful as some presume. I mean, after all – well, I don’t want to give too much away – but he plays an essential part in the community center storyline, you know, by the game’s conclusion.”
Barone is specifically referencing the cutscene that unfolds if you opt to restore the community center rather than ally with Joja Mart to transform it into a warehouse. This is a dilemma Barone wishes he had made less “black and white,” mentioning that if he could revisit the past, he would add more “nuance” to the narrative.