Stardew Valley is hugely popular, but many players don’t know that, at one point, it was technically in violation of the Geneva Convention. The violation was fixed years ago, but it’s a classic blunder several video games have made.
How was Stardew Valley in violation of the Geneva Convention?
The Geneva Convention states that the red cross, which Stardew Valley previously displayed in-game, signifies neutrality and protection, and only persons or objects connected with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement can use them. Notably, the red cross does not necessarily mean medical, or first aid assistance can be found. However, the red cross has become a common symbol of medical help, especially in video games.
Stardew Valley launched with the red cross displayed prominently outside the doctor’s office in-game. But in update 1.3, the cross was finally recolored green (via PlayStation LifeStyle), bringing the game back in line with the Geneva Convention. While it’s massively unlikely that any legal action would have been taken (the Geneva Convention does not apply to civilians in peacetime), it’s better to be safe than sorry.
So there you go; Stardew Valley violated the Geneva Convention at one point. But it’s since been removed, so you can safely go back to divorcing every bachelor you can lay your cheating hands on while crushing community spirit under the bootheel of capitalism.
