Stardew Valley Creator Confirms Size Of New Game, Haunted Chocolatier

There may not be a harder-working solo developer in the industry than Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe, who is deep in development on not only the upcoming massive 1.7 update, but also a brand-new game, Haunted Chocolatier. Details on this new project have been few and far between, but there’s no doubt fans of Stardew are keeping a watchful eye on any and all updates on Haunted Chocolatier’s progress.

Stardew Valley fans have been waiting patiently for the highly anticipated 1.7 update, which will introduce new romance options, as well as a ton of new content to the already-sprawling cozy indie game that’s become a worldwide sensation since its launch back in 2016. With the 1.7 update in the works, fans haven’t been sure where ConcernedApe is finding the time to work on Haunted Chocolatier, but it turns out the man is an absolute workhorse.

In a recent interview with Game Informer, ConcernedApe (whose real name is Eric Barone) gave some rare insights into his creative process and a look into some of the finer details of his upcoming project, including some hints at what players can expect in terms of scale compared to Stardew Valley (via Gaming Bible).

In a May 12 interview, ConcernedApe finally gave players a sense of what they can expect from Haunted Chocolatier, which was first announced with an official reveal trailer way back in 2021. Fans haven’t had a ton of big news on the game’s development in the time since that announcement, however, other than Barone is working on it diligently.

According to Barone, Haunted Chocolatier is “way bigger than Stardew Valley, at least in terms of the amount of maps, the amount of monsters, the depth to the whole item system, and all the equipment slots and all the stuff like this,” adding that “everything is cranked up.” He also pointed out that, as the name suggests, Haunted Chocolatier will explore “darker themes” than Stardew Valley, with Barone creating a much “creepier” world.

“The ghosts, the haunted nature, the castle, allow for a lot of interesting, creative things that I can do,” he says, and it’s clear that, while the game will certainly be reminiscent of Stardew Valley‘s cozy atmosphere, fans are in for a much bigger and reimagined experience.

While ConcernedApe didn’t offer up any official release window for Haunted Chocolatier or the Stardew Valley 1.7 update, he did give players an insight into his work schedule, stating that he’s working five days a week on the former and two days a week on the latter. When he finds time to sleep, eat, or do anything else is unclear, but fans of his work are certainly grateful for that level of commitment.