Eric Barone, the developer behind the immensely popular Stardew Valley, has offered new details about his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier, revealing it will lean more into action RPG mechanics than its predecessor. While still retaining the "town game" structure, the primary focus will shift to adventuring, character progression, and combat.
Barone, who also goes by the moniker ConcernedApe, stated in a recent interview that Haunted Chocolatier will feature monsters and boss fights, appealing to players who enjoyed the mining and combat aspects of Stardew Valley. He described the game as more of an "action RPG" where the main gameplay loop involves "adventuring, finding equipment and getting more powerful."
The game is set in a "metaphysical" locale, adding another layer of distinction from Stardew Valley's pastoral setting. Despite the shift in gameplay emphasis, Barone stressed that it remains a town-centric experience. The developer is meticulously refining every aspect of the game, aiming for a level of polish he calls "perfect." He cited the example of the chocolate-making recipe book UI, explaining the extensive iteration required to make it seamless, intuitive, satisfying, and aesthetically pleasing, balancing data presentation without overwhelming the player.
Barone also explained his cautious approach to revealing game details, likening it to serving "half-baked bread" if shown too early. He prefers to showcase the game when it is closer to completion to avoid disappointing players if elements change before release. As he is not under pressure to market the game, he can afford to take this more deliberate approach.
Haunted Chocolatier does not yet have a release date. Barone has also been working on the Stardew Valley 1.7 update. He has recently expanded his team to allow for more dedicated time on Haunted Chocolatier, while still overseeing the Stardew Valley updates as a creative director, letting his team handle much of the development before his final approval. He acknowledged the challenge of switching focus between projects, preferring to immerse himself fully in one task at a time.