**Thrilling News on *Haunted Chocolatier* from Creator of *Stardew Valley***

*Stardew Valley* enthusiasts, get ready to celebrate! There’s new information regarding Eric Barone’s eagerly awaited next title, *Haunted Chocolatier*. However, before you start a countdown, keep in mind that developing a game of this scale requires time—particularly since he’s doing it solo.

Eric Barone, widely recognized as ConcernedApe, posted a development update on Wednesday through a [blog post](https://www.hauntedchocolatier.net/2024/12/04/update/). In the entry, he reminded fans that crafting a game like *Haunted Chocolatier* from the ground up is quite the challenge. Indeed, he is managing every aspect by himself.

### Juggling Act: *Stardew Valley* and *Haunted Chocolatier*

Barone disclosed that much of his recent focus has been on the *Stardew Valley* 1.6 update, which was revealed in April 2023. This update brought new features and bug fixes, leading to a temporary pause on *Haunted Chocolatier*. Nevertheless, he mentioned having made substantial advancements in the new game, developing what he refers to as a “vertical slice”—a foundational edition of the game that includes most of its essential components.

“It’s been a bit disheartening to see *Haunted Chocolatier* gathering dust… but that’s my current reality,” Barone wrote. He elaborated that his strong bond with *Stardew Valley* and his commitment to its community make it challenging to shift away, even if just for a while. “I have a profound sense of duty to all the players who have supported *Stardew Valley* throughout the years, giving me this unique opportunity as an indie game developer.”

### A Glimpse of *Haunted Chocolatier*

To provide fans with a preview of what’s ahead, Barone shared several screenshots from the “vertical slice” of *Haunted Chocolatier*. While he noted that these are still in development and may change, the visuals present an intriguing look into the game’s environment.

The images showcase:
– A delightful ghostly character hovering in the air.
– The chocolatier’s warm abode, featuring rows of crops suggesting a farming aspect.
– An exciting combat moment where the protagonist defends against a horde of pink and purple orbs using a sword. (Barone has indicated that *Haunted Chocolatier* will place a greater emphasis on combat compared to *Stardew Valley*.)
– An inventory interface.
– Two characters, one sporting purple hair and the other blonde.

These fresh images complement the assortment of sneak peeks already accessible on the [official website](https://www.hauntedchocolatier.net/media/). If you haven’t yet done so, you can also check out the early gameplay trailer from 2021 for a more in-depth look at the game’s atmosphere.

### No Hurries, No Stress

Barone clarified that there won’t be any preorders, crowdfunding initiatives, or early access for *Haunted Chocolatier*. This strategy allows him to work at his own rhythm without outside pressures. “The main source of outside stress is that I announced the game rather early (I had valid reasons for doing so), which raised expectations,” he confessed. “If it takes a considerable amount of time, people might feel disappointed. And that is a genuine pressure for me. However, I won’t launch a game until it is finished and I am completely satisfied with it, and I believe that’s what most people would prefer, anyway.”

### Patience is Essential

For the time being, fans can savor the snippets of progress while continuing to cultivate their *Stardew Valley* farms. *Haunted Chocolatier* will be released when it is ready, and judging by Barone’s previous work, it will surely be worth the wait.