“It has honestly been a significant struggle for me,” he admitted. “My ideal approach would be to ignore everything and just build the game I want without a second thought. But that’s nearly impossible. I can’t stop wondering how it will be received. I know a huge portion of the players will be looking for Stardew Valley 2, and the fear that they might not enjoy this different direction is always there. I want to stay true to my vision, but the idea of letting people down because their expectations weren’t met is a tough pill to swallow.”
While Barone’s concerns are valid, he may be underestimating the loyalty of his audience. He has previously clarified that Haunted Chocolatier remains a life simulator at its core, even with the added RPG elements and a moodier, more enigmatic atmosphere. With its familiar pixel art style and cozy aesthetic, it already feels like part of the same universe. Historically, the cozy gaming community has been incredibly supportive of creative exploration, and Barone’s track record for quality speaks for itself.
However, fans should be prepared for a long wait. Although he now has a small team to assist him, Barone remains the primary creative architect for both Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley—which still has a massive 1.7 update on the horizon. He remains steadfast in his commitment to quality, refusing to release the new game until it meets his personal standards, regardless of how many years that takes.
“Progress is happening, but it’s never as quick as I’d like,” Barone noted. “The most vital thing is that I won’t release Haunted Chocolatier until I’m genuinely happy with it. If it’s not a great game, it stays in development. I’m in a fortunate position where I don’t have external investors or crowdfunding goals to meet, so there’s no physical deadline. It’s mostly just the mental pressure of not wanting to keep the fans waiting forever.”
For those who haven’t been keeping track, Haunted Chocolatier puts players in the shoes of a confectionery shop owner. While you will still engage in social loops, town exploration, and romance—much like in Stardew—the new title introduces ghosts, more complex combat mechanics, and defensive shield-play. How deep these RPG systems go remains to be seen, but the shift in focus promises a fresh experience for veteran fans.
Read more: Why Eric Barone still feels like an “amateur” despite selling 50 million copies.
Source: gamesradar.com
