ConcernedApe, the creator of the beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley, has provided an update on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier, assuring fans that development is ongoing despite the slow pace. In a recent blog post, Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, addressed the extended development time, citing his intense focus on perfecting every detail of the game.
Barone acknowledged the lengthy development cycle, stating, "I know it's taking a long time." He elaborated that his commitment to ensuring every player-interactive element is "seamless, clear, intuitive, satisfying, aesthetic" necessitates extensive iteration. He specifically highlighted the game's recipe book as an example, describing how the user interface requires numerous revisions to achieve an optimal balance of information clarity, ease of use, and visual appeal. This pursuit of flawlessness extends to all aspects of Haunted Chocolatier, which Barone described as a substantial game with many elements demanding his detailed attention.
This dedication to quality is also the reason behind ConcernedApe's reluctance to showcase the game extensively at its current stage. He likened it to serving "half-baked bread" and expressed a desire to avoid disappointing players if features change before release. Fortunately, Barone noted that he is in a financial position where marketing pressure is not a factor, allowing him to prioritize his development philosophy. "I am being very thoughtful about every aspect of the game," he stated. "The things in the game which the player will be interacting with or using very often need to be ‘perfect.’"
While Haunted Chocolatier currently lacks a release date, Barone has also been involved in the development of Stardew Valley's 1.7 update. He explained his current working method involves acting as a creative director for the update, delegating tasks to an expanded team while he focuses on Haunted Chocolatier. He intends to become more involved in the 1.7 update later in its cycle, ensuring his creative vision is integrated into every aspect.
Barone reiterated his commitment to releasing Haunted Chocolatier only when he is completely satisfied with it. He emphasized that he does not feel external pressure to release the game prematurely, as there are no pre-orders or external funding involved. "If I don't think it's a great game, I'm not going to release it. So even if that takes years and years, so be it," he said, appreciating the patience of his fans.