Former Stardew Valley Developer Announces New Life Simulation Game Called Sunkissed City

Sunkissed City is a new life simulation game set to release in 2024. It is being developed by a former Stardew Valley developer!

Sunkissed City a New Life Sim
Sunkissed City: A New life-simulation set in Apollo City, a seaside metropolis. | © Mr. Podunkian/EarlyGame

Former Stardew Valley developer Artuhr Lee, also known as Mr. Podunkian announced his own life simulation game named Sunkissed City, and it's set to release in 2024 for PC, Linux and macOS. A console release is also planned and will follow on a later date!

Watch the trailer below to get an idea of the setting and the overall visuals of Sunkissed City:

Sunkissed City: A New Life-Sim On The Horizon

The inspiration from Stardew Valley is clear, as Mr. Podunkian also stated on YouTube:

To pre-empt some comments, no, It's not a Stardew Mod, it's my own game, and yes, I have ConcernedApe's blessing to make this (I worked on Stardew Valley!). The game's engine was originally written when I worked under him, but he graciously let me keep it when I left the company as it was all my work.

In Sunkissed City your new life in Apollo City, a seaside metropolis, is about to begin. As a fresh hire for the monolithic Pico corporation's new "Peco Pioneer" pilot program, you've been tasked with fostering a relationship with Apollo's vibrant community and putting in a good word for Pico's new eco-focused initiatives.

Sunkissed NPC interaction
Sunkissed City is filled with various characters. | © Mr.Podunkian

But all is not well in these bustling streets. The local wildlife has begun to behave more aggressively, the waters are devoid of life, monsters are pouring out from the sewers, and that's not to mention the constant migraines everyone's been having lately.

Sunkissed City adventure on a seaside City
Sunkissed City took clear inspiration of Stardew Valley. | © Mr.Podunkian

Those are the gameplay features of Sunkissed City:

  • A fresh start in Apollo City – As a newcomer in the city, you have the freedom to explore various activities. You can choose to become a Monster Hunter in the sewers below, capture photos of the wildlife in the city, take care of your garden, or simply relax with a cup of coffee and a book in the local park.
  • Reinvent yourself - You have the power to become and achieve whatever you've always desired. Embrace your individuality, much like the city itself. Dress in a way that resonates with your feelings and personalize your living spaces with your unique touch.
  • Socialize with the cityfolk - Develop connections with the locals, and they will willingly share their daily triumphs and challenges with you. Bring joy to their lives by offering handmade gifts (or perhaps even items you discovered unexpectedly), and assist them in navigating the occasional chaos in their lives in Apollo.
  • Take back Apollo - Collaborate with the Keby, enigmatic and mischievous forest beings, to address the diverse issues plaguing the city and reclaim Apollo from the forces sapping its vibrant colors!
  • Explore the city with friends - Sunkissed City offers both online and split-screen multiplayer cooperative modes, allowing you to experience your new city life with friends and family.

Ewelyn Derc

Ewelyn is a Content Creator at EarlyGame. She's mainly interested in everything that comes from Japan and has to do with JRPGs. But also Souls-like, Indies, Shooter, Rogue-likes, Otome, Visual Novel and more are in her field of expertise....