Stardew Valley Creator Talks Progress on Haunted Chocolatier Development
Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the developer behind *Stardew Valley* and the upcoming *Haunted Chocolatier*, recently shared insights into the development of his next project. While *Stardew Valley* remains a fan favorite, many are eager to see how *Haunted Chocolatier* evolves.
In an interview with *PC Gamer*, Barone explained that he’s deep in the development of *Haunted Chocolatier*, working on the game’s vertical slice and content. Though he is focused on the new title, he acknowledged that *Stardew Valley* remains a part of his life, and he continues to monitor its community. Barone emphasized that he plans to complete *Haunted Chocolatier* before returning to *Stardew Valley*, though he hasn’t ruled out future updates for the latter.
Barone also noted that *Haunted Chocolatier* is still a long way from release, and he’s focused on maintaining a balanced pace to avoid stress. He mentioned the possibility of retreating from the internet to complete the game in solitude, joking about disappearing for “two years.”
The new game will share similarities with *Stardew Valley*, as it’s also a life simulation, but Barone plans to infuse it with more creativity and mystery. Unlike *Stardew’s* bright and sunny atmosphere, *Haunted Chocolatier* will have a more “weird” and “interesting” vibe, with a focus on creating “mysterious atmospheres.”
Fans are encouraged to enjoy *Stardew Valley* in the meantime, with Barone’s team committed to taking their time with *Haunted Chocolatier*. The community’s support has been a source of motivation as he works toward bringing the new title to life.
