In the cozy gaming community, certain pixel art games have garnered so much anticipation that they’ve almost become legend. A major title that fans have been eagerly awaiting is Witchbrook, which delighted fans by confirming its release window this year. Another game in this lineup of much-anticipated titles is the latest creation from Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, the creator of Stardew Valley. Barone unveiled his new project, Haunted Chocolatier, back in 2021. Since then, he has provided only intermittent updates. However, a recent conversation with PC Gamer has revealed fresh insights into the development progress of Haunted Chocolatier.
The community speculated that Haunted Chocolatier development might gain speed following the substantial Stardew Valley 1.6 update. Subsequently, ConcernedApe did post a blog update regarding the new game shortly after finalizing the substantial Stardew update. Nonetheless, after this update, he has remained relatively silent on this project. Fortunately, his interview with PC Gamer reassures fans that there is no need to fret over the game’s potential abandonment. Haunted Chocolatier is definitely in development, but enthusiasts shouldn’t expect a surprise release anytime soon.
In his latest update, Barone has revealed that he is currently devoted to developing the game’s vertical slice, a critical phase that helps define the final look and feel of the game. Despite being in this intensive stage, he reassures fans that he’s also been diligently crafting content for the game, ensuring that progress is steady. His dedication is evident as he describes himself as “knee-deep in development” of Haunted Chocolatier and hints that “it’s gonna be a while still.” The developer is consciously trying to avoid rushing or stressing too much over the timelines, taking into account that there’s always the ongoing support for Stardew Valley to manage as well.
Barone muses about withdrawing to a secluded cabin in the woods to focus entirely on Haunted Chocolatier, humorously suggesting disappearing from the online world for “two years.” While this timeline is largely speculative, it underscores the need for more time to refine the game to a state Barone deems perfect for release. Essentially, Haunted Chocolatier still requires significant development time and care before it could potentially see the light of day.
What We Know About Haunted Chocolatier Makes it Seem Worth the Wait
Given the sparse updates on the game, it’s beneficial to recapture what makes Haunted Chocolatier so exciting for fans. The last substantial reveal came in December 2024, showcasing some fascinating in-game creatures and intricate character portraits. These visuals provided a tantalizing glimpse of the charming yet mysterious world Barone is crafting, assuring fans of the high-quality artwork they have come to expect.
Alongside these creatures, we’ve also had a peek at some screenshots depicting the game’s locales and even a few chocolate recipes. These elements stoke the anticipation, providing a taste of what’s to come. The gameplay will include an array of ghostly figures, giving the game a spooky, atmospheric vibe that promises an experience that might even surpass the eerier moments found in Stardew Valley. This spectral element is set to add a layer of novelty and allure to the comforting pixel art style.
Haunted Chocolatier will share the beloved art style of Stardew Valley, but it’s set to carve its unique identity with some key differences. ConcernedApe has detailed new development philosophies and gameplay shifts since his time developing Stardew Valley. The central focus will shift from farming to chocolate making, presenting a fresh gameplay dynamic distinct from Stardew’s farming narrative. Additionally, combat is expected to be more engaging and integral to the overall experience compared to the largely optional combat mechanics found in Stardew Valley.
This all suggests that while fans may need to exhibit patience, the wait will indeed be worthwhile. The sustained effort demonstrates that Barone’s vision for Haunted Chocolatier is alive, even if he hasn’t had a bounty of new content to share publicly. The title remains an active part of Barone’s creative landscape, assuring all curious minds that the project is steadily nearing a stage where, eventually, a release date might be considered.
