Stardew Valley Creator Confirms Haunted Chocolatier Release on Completion
Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the creator of the critically acclaimed game Stardew Valley, has addressed fans regarding his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier. In a recent blog post on the official Haunted Chocolatier website, Barone reassured fans that development is ongoing and that he has no plans to abandon the game.
Haunted Chocolatier’s Development Status
Barone shared that while the game is taking longer to complete than anticipated, he is committed to its success. He emphasized, “The game will release when it’s done.” Dismissing rumors of abandonment, he clarified that Haunted Chocolatier “will not be folded into Stardew Valley,” as the two games are distinct in both design and technical execution.
Separation of Projects
While addressing concerns about the timelines and overlap between the two games, Barone remarked that Haunted Chocolatier is built from the ground up and operates on a different engine compared to Stardew Valley. He stated, “It doesn’t even make sense from a technical perspective.”
Future Plans and Expectations
Barone acknowledged the challenges of meeting fan expectations. He does not want to be seen merely as “the Stardew Valley guy,” which is why he is focused on new projects like Haunted Chocolatier. However, he also pointed out that there is still significant work ahead and emphasizes that the new game must surpass the quality of Stardew Valley.
Clarifying Misunderstandings
- Barone was quoted regarding a potential release date, indicating he never suggested Haunted Chocolatier would be delayed until 2030.
- He clarified, “I hope so” refers to the game’s release potentially happening within five years, not a fixed date.
- Barone stated his commitment is to continue making progress on Haunted Chocolatier.
Update on Stardew Valley
In addition to Haunted Chocolatier, fans of Stardew Valley can expect an upcoming 1.7 update. Barone teased details about a new farm type and additional social interactions within the game, indicating that he continues to innovate even while working on his new title.
In closing, Barone conveyed his appreciation for fans’ patience. He reassured them that both Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley remain priorities, and he is dedicated to delivering quality experiences. As development continues, he invites fans to remain engaged until the official release of Haunted Chocolatier.
