ConcernedApe Confirms Haunted Chocolatier Still in Development, Debunks Abandonment Rumours

Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone has addressed growing concerns about his upcoming game Haunted Chocolatier. The Stardew Valley creator posted a blog update on 28 January 2026, confirming he is "not going to abandon Haunted Chocolatier" whilst acknowledging "it's taking a while to finish the game."

The update comes after years of relative silence since the game's initial announcement in October 2021. Barone admitted he "shouldn't have announced the game so early" but noted he had his reasons for doing so.

Debunking False Assumptions

Barone directly addressed several persistent rumours circulating within the community. The most significant myth he tackled was the notion that content intended for Haunted Chocolatier would instead be folded into Stardew Valley.

The developer clarified Haunted Chocolatier and Stardew Valley are entirely separate games , explaining the new title is built from scratch in a different engine. He stressed you cannot simply transfer content between the two projects from a technical standpoint.

Another false assumption suggested the ongoing Stardew Valley updates serve as testing grounds for Haunted Chocolatier mechanics. Barone shut this down completely. When working on one game, he does not think about the other , calling such an approach unfair to both projects.

Development Timeline Clarification

The blog post also corrected misinterpretations about the release window. Some fans believed Barone had committed to a 2030 release date. He clarified that when asked in 2025 whether the game would arrive within five years, he responded with "I hope so" rather than making any firm commitment.

The developer maintains his stance on refusing to provide a concrete release date. The game will launch when it is finished , he reiterated.

Barone also addressed speculation that burnout on Haunted Chocolatier prompted him to return to Stardew Valley work. He explained the opposite is true. Stardew Valley remains a massively popular game with an ever-growing playerbase , and he continues to develop ideas for improvements. The Stardew Valley 1.7 update announced in September 2025 is one such example.

Recent Progress and Solo Development

Despite addressing concerns, Barone provided reassurance about current productivity. He has been making good progress lately on Haunted Chocolatier , though specific details remain scarce.

The blog included several new screenshots showcasing different aspects of the game. One particularly interesting image depicted what appeared to be a "pigball" game element, suggesting mini-games or side activities beyond chocolate-making.

Barone continues to work entirely solo on the project. Unlike Stardew Valley 1.7, which benefits from a small team, Haunted Chocolatier remains a one-person operation. He has no plans to change this approach for the time being .

The developer acknowledges the pressure created by the early announcement. He feels genuine concern when lengthy development periods might disappoint eager fans. Nevertheless, he remains committed to releasing nothing less than a complete product he is thoroughly satisfied with.

What We Know About Haunted Chocolatier

For those unfamiliar, Haunted Chocolatier positions players as a chocolatier running a shop inside a haunted castle. The gameplay combines ingredient gathering, chocolate crafting, and shop management with a greater emphasis on action RPG combat than Stardew Valley featured.

Barone has described the game as channelling "the moon's energy" in contrast to Stardew Valley's sun-focused vibe. The title promises a positive, uplifting experience despite its spooky setting, featuring ghosts, magical elements, and the allure of the unknown.

Previous blog posts revealed the game will offer multiple methods for making chocolate , including both intuitive and mechanical approaches. A shield-based combat system allows players to block and stun enemies, rewarding defensive play whilst still accommodating aggressive strategies.

The game has been in development since 2020, with Barone working on it during breaks from Stardew Valley commitments. The massive success of Stardew Valley's 1.6 update and subsequent console ports pulled him away from Haunted Chocolatier for extended periods throughout 2024 and into 2025.

Barone ended his update with a succinct message: "I'm alive, the game is still in development, and it will come out when it's ready" . He thanked fans for their patience before returning to work.

No platforms beyond PC have been officially confirmed, though Barone has previously stated his intention to bring Haunted Chocolatier to all major platforms, mirroring Stardew Valley's extensive availability.