Stardew Valley creator’s new game, Haunted Chocolatier, is “more of an action RPG” than farming sim

Eric Barone, creator of Stardew Valley, has revealed new details about his long-awaited follow-up game, Haunted Chocolatier, in a recent interview with GQ. After being announced in October 2021, the game has been in development for over five years, with Barone prioritizing quality over speed.

In the interview, Barone clarified that Haunted Chocolatier is “more of an action RPG” compared to its predecessor, despite remaining what he calls a “town game.” The main gameplay focus shifts toward adventuring, finding equipment, and becoming more powerful—specifically targeting players who enjoyed the mining aspects of Stardew Valley. This represents a significant departure from Stardew Valley’s cosy farming simulator gameplay.

Barone has been transparent about the extended development timeline. In June, he admitted to feeling somewhat embarrassed about continually stating the game was still in progress, but an August blog post demonstrated his commitment to quality, noting he doesn’t stress about development duration and prefers not to rush the game. While an official release date remains unannounced, the interview provides reassurance that the game is actively being developed and players can expect a more action-oriented experience.

Sources

• Stardew Valley creator’s new game, Haunted Chocolatier, is “more of an action RPG” than farming sim
• Haunted Chocolatier Is For “The People In Stardew Valley That Go Into The Mines”
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