Key information
Eric Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has been developing his second title, Haunted Chocolatier, for over five years since its October 2021 announcement. While an official release date remains unconfirmed, Barone recently shared insights into the project's direction during an interview with GQ.
Barone describes the upcoming project as a town game that functions primarily as an action RPG. The gameplay emphasizes adventuring, boss encounters, and acquiring equipment to increase player power, specifically targeting those who enjoyed the mining segments in his previous work.
The developer has returned to a state of isolation to finish the title, aiming to replicate the creative atmosphere he experienced while building Stardew Valley. He expressed concerns regarding public expectations, noting that he refuses to compromise on quality by rushing the development process.
Haunted Chocolatier is expected to be larger and possess a creepier tone than its predecessor. Regarding the timeline, Barone stated in 2025 that he hoped for a release within the following five years, suggesting the game could arrive before 2030.
