Haunted Chocolatier’s development has been ‘very productive’ in recent months, Eric Barone says: ‘Working on Haunted Chocolatier is what I’m most eager and driven to do’
Stardew Valley developer Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone has shared another development update on Haunted Chocolatier, his long-anticipated next project following the massive success of Stardew Valley. In a blog post, Barone confirmed that work on the game remains ongoing and has been “very productive” in recent months.
While specifics about the game remain scarce—a pattern consistent with Barone’s approach to game development—the developer expressed strong confidence and enthusiasm for the project. He stated he is now “certain” he will enjoy Haunted Chocolatier once it is finished, and emphasized that “working on Haunted Chocolatier is what I’m most eager and driven to do.” This sentiment suggests the project continues to be a personal priority for the developer.
Barone has maintained a practice of posting intermittent check-in blogs to keep the community informed of progress, addressing what the article humorously describes as “the hungry masses” clamouring for details. These updates, while limited in concrete information, serve to reassure fans that development is active.
Haunted Chocolatier was announced years ago, and its development has often been the subject of community speculation and anticipation. Barone’s track record with Stardew Valley—which he developed largely solo and which became a cultural phenomenon—has created considerable interest in whatever he creates next. The developer’s personal involvement in every aspect of his projects and his perfectionist approach mean that development timelines remain difficult to predict.