Stardew Valley is one of the most beloved and well-known cult-classic farming simulations, as the game sold over one million copies within two months of its initial release date back in 2016. It’s no secret that I am a huge fan of both the delightful environment and the relatable characters that have a home within the game. I am constantly on the lookout for new video games that provide a similar style of play coupled with the familiar and comforting vibe that so many have grown attached to through Stardew alone.
To the absolute delight and surprise of myself and others, the sole developer of Stardew Valley, Eric Barone (aka ConcernedApe), announced on Oct. 8 that he is in the process of developing his next game, titled ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier.
Haunted Chocolatier’s trailer revealed that the game would follow players as they attempt to manage and run a haunted chocolate shop, collecting ingredients in a mysterious forest surrounding the local castle. Barone shared on the game’s new website, “At its core, the gameplay loop involves gathering ingredients, making chocolate and running a chocolate shop. Of course, there’s a lot more to the game than that.” The teaser trailer showcases new styles of combat — namely, bow-and-arrow and melee attacks — that stray from Stardew Valley’s more simple battle mechanics. Barone also alludes to the possibilities of more fantastical and magical elements that strays from the humbler approach of Stardew’s simple farming town.
However, my favorite new addition to ConcernedApe’s pixelated world would have to be the absolutely adorable, expressive pixelated ghosts. That’s right — it’s called “haunted” for a reason! The chocolate shop itself is attended by delightful ghost employees, and they help provide visitors with commendable customer service that is sure to keep business boo-ming. Get it? One of the greatest things about Stardew Valley is the quirky and unusual side characters, such as Krobus, so I’m certain there’s going to be a lot to discover about these little ghost buddies. “Chocolate represents that which is delightful,” Barone writes. “The haunted castle represents the allure of the unknown. The ghosts represent the imprint of the past. All of these things are important.”
It has been confirmed that this game won’t be released for quite some time, as it’s still very early in production, and Barone enjoys tackling his gaming projects solo rather than with a team of developers. However, the loyal Stardew Valley fanbase, myself included, is entirely content to wait as long as it takes for Haunted Chocolatier’s completion.