Eric Barone, the solo developer behind Stardew Valley, better known as ConcernedApe, has confirmed via social media that his upcoming project, Haunted Chocolatier, will feature a larger world than his previous hit, Stardew Valley, which is adored by many fans worldwide.
The developer dropped the news on social media X, giving us a clearer sense of the project's scope, which has been kept relatively quiet since the initial reveal.
While Stardew Valley is known for its compact but content-rich setting, Haunted Chocolatier appears to be aiming for something more expansive. Barone stated that the world size will be "bigger" in direct comparison, though specific details such as map structure, explorable regions, or fast-travel systems remain unconfirmed.
What We Know So Far
Haunted Chocolatier centers around managing a chocolate shop located in a haunted castle. Just like in Stardew Valley, players will gather ingredients, craft chocolates, and interact with townspeople in a familiar simulation-RPG format. Though comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable, the new game promises a different tone, leaning more into the supernatural with a bit of mystery. Sounds spooky enough.
The combat system will also be more developed, with Barone confirming the use of shields and blocking mechanics, with hopefully new weapons too. Combined with the recent confirmation of a larger world, it suggests that exploration may play a more central role this time around.
No Release Date Yet
As of now, Haunted Chocolatier does not have an official release date and that will probably stay the case for a while. Barone has previously stated that development is ongoing and that he prefers to work without external deadlines. The game is confirmed for PC, with other platforms likely to follow, as was the case with Stardew Valley.
Recently, Barone has hinted that he'd like to finish the game in the next five years, but whether that means 1.0 launch or an early access release, it remains to be seen.
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