The solo developer also took a moment to address his early reveal of the game. “In hindsight, I probably shouldn’t have announced it so soon, but I had my reasons at the time,” he admitted. He then set out to debunk several myths currently circulating within the fandom, specifically addressing concerns that he might abandon Haunted Chocolatier or merge it into Stardew Valley. “I am not going to abandon Haunted Chocolatier,” he stated firmly.
“Even if I wanted to, adding it to Stardew wouldn’t make sense,” he explained. “They are entirely separate titles. From a technical standpoint, Haunted Chocolatier is built from scratch on a different engine. You can’t simply copy and paste its elements into Stardew Valley.” Despite their shared cozy aesthetic, the two games are fundamentally different foundations.
Barone also dismissed theories that Stardew Valley updates are being used as a “test bed” for features intended for his new game. He clarified that when he is working on one project, he isn’t thinking about the other. He expressed that “testing” ideas in Stardew would be unfair to that game’s legacy and would risk spoiling the unique surprises he has planned for his chocolate-themed adventure.
“Stardew Valley is its own experience,” he added. “You can’t accurately test Haunted Chocolatier mechanics within it.” He also addressed rumors that he returns to Stardew only when he feels “burnt out” on his new project. On the contrary, he continues to update the farming sim because of its massive, growing audience and his own lingering ideas for how to refine the world of Pelican Town.
Finally, Barone touched upon the speculation regarding a release date. Previously, he couldn’t confirm if the game would be ready by 2030, which led some to believe a five-year wait was guaranteed. He clarified his stance: “I was asked if it would be out within five years and said ‘I hope so.’ That isn’t the same as a 2030 release date. Ultimately, the game will be released exactly when it is finished.”
The developer concluded by emphasizing that his focus remains on steady progress. While fans are eager to step into his new haunted shop, the creator of the world’s most beloved indie farm is taking the time necessary to ensure his next work is just as magical.
Looking for something to play while you wait for Barone’s next masterpiece? Explore our guide to the most anticipated new games arriving this year.
