The comments so far resonate with my feelings on this, and I'll add:

I consider games to be art (some more than others, but hey, that's other art, too), and Valheim feels like an expression of Iron Gate's aesthetic, values, dreams, and what it is to have fun. Perhaps Iron Gate was surprised that their game became so popular, and maybe that was an overwhelming feeling? Now with so many eyes turned their way, maybe they're feeling too much judgement creeping in and corrupting/interrupting their artistic flow. I don't know them, I'm just trying to imagine their situation. I doubt they just want to cash out, as this seems like a labor of love in the works for the last four years (if not in sketchbooks well before that, bubbling up into consciousness). Check out The Blindboy Podcast for more thoughts on art and the impact of judgement.

My overall feeling about the efforts of Iron Gate is gratitude for making and sharing it in the first place. In my 45 hours so far I've had enough lasting fun for the money I paid that I'd be okay if I couldn't play it again, AND I'm really looking forward to exploring it more.