During this period, Aiko, Oto-chan, and Hazumi went to Gamestar Electronic Entertainment's headquarters every chance they got to watch Takayuki develop his game.
Sometimes, Takayuki would even go without sleep to work on Stardew Valley. His dedication and passion for what he was doing deeply impressed Aiko.
Aiko had always been a proud person — she rarely admired others.
But Takayuki was one of the few living people she genuinely admired. Most of the people she looked up to were already deceased — ancient or modern-day figures of historical importance.
In response to Hazumi's earlier question, Aiko simply shook her head as she installed the Battlenet platform according to the instructions and said,"I don't know either, but Mr. Takayuki is different. If he makes a promise… maybe he really can make it happen."
Hazumi was full of anticipation. She idolized Takayuki more than anyone else — after all, it was he who had inspired her to think, "Maybe I could make a farming and mining game."
And now Stardew Valley was exactly that — a farming and mining game. Her admiration for Takayuki skyrocketed.
Oto-chan, on the other hand, was more indifferent. Stardew Valley just wasn't her thing. She didn't enjoy the slow, repetitive nature of farming and mining. She had never understood why Hazumi could spend hours collecting mushrooms or mining in Monster Hunter — clearly just side mechanics in that game.
…
…
Oto-chan preferred more exciting, action-packed games, or something simple and satisfying like Fruit Ninja — fast, direct, and stress-relieving.
So she didn't think much of Stardew Valley.
However, she did respect the fact that Takayuki had made the entire game by himself just to encourage the three of them. That gesture deeply moved her.
It also helped her begin to let go of the belief that great games required huge budgets and teams.
She realized that if someone had the same passion for games as Takayuki — the same willingness to go all-in — then whether a game was AAA or not didn't really matter anymore.
The Battlenet platform downloaded quickly — the installer was only a few dozen MB.
Following the instructions, Aiko entered the game's activation key into the Battlenet platform's activation field. Then she clicked "Activate."
The game appeared in the first slot of her personal game library.
The cover of Stardew Valley was simple — entirely composed of 2D pixel art. A small house, and the English title "Stardew Valley" spelled out in what looked like nailed-together wooden planks.
"Wow, it looks kind of cute," Hazumi said, clearly excited. She really liked this art style — warm and charming. Pixel art seemed to naturally carry that vibe. It was like animation in film — something about it could soften even the most serious stories and make them feel more accessible.
Aiko and Oto-chan didn't have strong feelings about it. They'd already decided they were just there to accompany Hazumi in trying the game.
Once they found out it was about farming, mining, and mushroom picking, their interest had pretty much faded.
Maybe only someone like Hazumi could really enjoy that kind of slow-paced gameplay.
That's what Aiko and Oto-chan were thinking.
Aiko clicked the download button. The game started downloading.
The total size was a little over 100MB — pretty small, especially in an era when game sizes were growing larger and larger.
But it was a 2D pixel game, after all. You couldn't expect it to be massive. Maybe future updates and added features would increase its size.
The download finished in just a few minutes.
This was the first time the three girls were playing a game outside of a console — but it didn't feel that different from playing on one.
The girls entered the game's main menu.
A soft, peaceful melody began to play.
"Aiko, can I try it first?" Hazumi asked, unable to hide her excitement.
"Of course — you're clearly the most interested. Go ahead."
Hazumi beamed and immediately sat down at the computer.
Thanks to over a year of experience with game development, Hazumi was now a member of the school's game development club, so operating a computer was no issue. She quickly got the hang of the game by following the on-screen instructions.
Aiko and Oto-chan sat nearby, watching as Hazumi dove into the world of Stardew Valley.
The game began with a very simple pixel scene — the protagonist working at a computer in an office.
He looked like a classic corporate office worker — overworked and lifeless.
Then the screen darkened. The protagonist ended his workday. Even with only pixel art and basic animations, the game managed to convey his fatigue.
Work after work, day after day — until one day, he couldn't take it anymore. That's when he remembered something his grandfather had once told him.
"Child, if there ever comes a time when life becomes too much to bear… open the letter I left you. I hope it can bring you some peace."
At that moment, the pixel protagonist couldn't help but open the drawer at his workstation — neatly inside was the letter his grandfather had left behind.
The game prompted the player to click and open the envelope.
Hazumi didn't hesitate. She clicked to open the letter — the scene transitioned, and an image of a kind elderly man wrapped in a blanket appeared, along with slowly rising text:
Dear child,
If you're reading this letter, it means you're in need of a change.
Years ago, I found myself in the same place. I had forgotten what really matters in life… real, human connection. So I left everything behind and moved to a place I could truly call my own.
Enclosed is the deed to that place — along with my pride and joy: a farm. It's located in Stardew Valley, on the southern coast in a place called Pelican Town. It's the perfect place to start a new life.
I hope you'll find peace there. And please, say hi to Mayor Lewis for me.
It was a heartfelt letter.
Even through just text and pixel art, Hazumi felt as if a loving grandfather were gently speaking to her one last time.
Aiko and Oto-chan were also watching the scene.
It was just the prologue of the game — but the letter still managed to touch them both.
Genuine emotion always finds a way to resonate — especially with girls, who tend to be more emotionally attuned. They felt it even more deeply.
The letter ended, and the protagonist boarded a bus to Pelican Town — ready to begin a completely new life.
A life completely different from the stressful one he had left behind.