Haunted Chocolatier is the highly anticipated next game from developer ConcernedApe, the creator of Stardew Valley. Eric Barone started the project back in 2020, but it has now been a couple of years, and fans are anxious. Here’s everything we know about the
upcoming town game.
Is Haunted Chocolatier a sequel to Stardew Valley?
Haunted Chocolatier is an RPG and simulation game that has very similar gameplay to
Stardew Valley. It’s not a sequel, however. It’s an entirely new journey!
You start with a small chocolate shop and can
improve and expand it
over time. In Haunted Chocolatier, players can interact with villagers, find ingredients, build a chocolate shop, and fight off bad guys. While it has some similar elements to Stardew, this game was Barone’s chance to get a bit more whimsical and creative.
“Chocolate represents that which is delightful,” he said in an
official blog post. “The haunted castle represents the allure of the unknown. The ghosts represent the imprint of the past. All of these things are important. However, don’t think for a moment that, because this game features ghosts in a haunted castle, it is an evil or negative game. On the contrary, I intend for this game to be positive, uplifting and life-affirming. However, if Stardew Valley mostly channeled the energy of the sun, Haunted Chocolatier channels the energy of the moon. Both are vital.”
Due to the organic development of the game and Barone’s focus on whimsy, players should expect to “explore more fantastical possibilities” compared to the more ordinary and humble world of Stardew Valley.
Is Haunted Chocolatier multiplayer?
Unlike Stardew Valley, Haunted Chocolatier is currently planning to be a single-player experience. Instead of a focus on just gathering ingredients and talking to townspeople, this new game has more of an adventurous spirit, like an action RPG. Players will be exploring the town and its challenges alone this time around, but they will have weapons and shields to aid them.
There is currently no specific release date for ConcernedApe’s latest creation. Barone admitted that the game is still in the early stages of development, adding that he “can’t commit to a release date yet.” It most likely will not be out in 2023.
“I want to be able to work in peace without the pressure of a release date or even an estimated release date. It’s probably safe to assume that it’s still early days in terms of development, so it will likely be quite some time before Haunted Chocolatier arrives,” Barone said.
The developer added that he “won’t rest” until he is satisfied that the game is “very fun and compelling.” Until then, ConcernedApe will continue to provide updates on the gameplay.
Olivia Richman
About Olivia Richman
Olivia has worked in media ever since graduating from college, with her coverage ranging from traditional newspaper reporting to digital coverage of all things gaming, online betting, and nerd culture. She has traveled around the world pursuing that coverage, from the far coasts of the United States to the busy downtown core of Tokyo, Japan. Olivia’s favorite games include Overwatch and Super Smash Smash Bros, and she has been published at Esports Illustrated, Inven Global, EsportsInsider, Upcomer, and elsewhere.
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