Eric Barone, the solo developer behind the beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley, has shared new details about his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, describing it as "more of an action RPG" than a farming simulation. In a recent interview with GQ, Barone elaborated on the game's core mechanics, differentiating it from his previous work.
"It is still what I call a town game," Barone told GQ, "but it's more of an action RPG - the main focus is more about adventuring, finding equipment and getting more powerful. There are monsters, there are boss fights."
This emphasis on combat and exploration suggests a shift in focus from the more relaxed pace of Stardew Valley. Barone noted that the new direction will appeal to players who enjoyed the mine exploration aspect of Stardew Valley, where players venture into dangerous areas to gather resources and fight monsters. "The game is for the people in Stardew Valley that go into the mines," he explained, adding, "That's what I do, honestly."
Barone also touched upon the game's thematic elements, calling Haunted Chocolatier a more "metaphysical" experience, likely due to its focus on ghosts and spirits. Despite the increased anticipation, Barone remains tight-lipped about a release date, stating that the game will be launched when it is complete and that "no one's playing the game until I'm ready to show it."
Previous updates from Barone, including one in January, confirmed that the game is still in development and that its world is larger than that of Stardew Valley. The developer has consistently expressed a desire to avoid setting a release date, preferring to focus on the quality and completion of the game.
Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, previously worked on Stardew Valley entirely alone. His approach to game development emphasizes personal vision and dedication, a philosophy that appears to carry over to Haunted Chocolatier.