According to Kotaku, Stardew Valley creator Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone posted a new blog update this week to directly address growing fan speculation about his long-awaited next game, Haunted Chocolatier. He stated he’s been “very productive lately” on the project, but acknowledged the development is taking a while. Barone debunked the myth that Haunted Chocolatier content would be added to Stardew Valley, calling the idea “absurd” due to the games being built in different engines. He also clarified that his continued work on Stardew Valley updates is purely due to its enduring popularity and not a sign of trouble with the new game. Finally, he reconfirmed there is no set release date, reiterating his previous hope that it would be out within the next five years.
Myth-Busting Mode Activated
Look, when a developer as notoriously meticulous and solo as ConcernedApe feels compelled to write a whole “hey, calm down” post, you know the fan theories have gotten out of hand. And honestly, you can’t blame the fans. We’re talking about the follow-up to one of the most defining cozy games of the last decade. The silence breeds speculation. So Barone basically had to go down the list: No, the games aren’t merging. No, the Stardew updates aren’t a distraction. And no, he hasn’t given up. It’s a fascinating peek into the pressure that comes with a hit this big. Your next move is scrutinized before it even exists.
The Eternal Wait
Here’s the thing about the “five years” comment. He said he *hoped* it would be out within five years… and that was back in 2022. Some fans took that as a promise, others as a grim timeline. Barone’s latest post seems to be walking that back into the classic, safer “it’ll be done when it’s done” territory. And you know what? That’s probably smart. Stardew Valley itself was in development for over four years before its 2016 launch. Rushing this would be a disaster. But you have to wonder: at what point does the extended hype cycle become a burden? The longer we wait, the more mythical the game becomes in our heads. Can any game live up to that?
Separate But Equal
The most important clarification is that these are separate games. This kills the fun but persistent theory that Haunted Chocolatier would be some kind of Stardew Valley expansion or DLC. They’re on different engines, which is a technical wall you just don’t climb for fun. But he also hinted they’ll share an aesthetic. That’s the double-edged sword of having such a strong, beloved art style. It’s instantly comforting and recognizable, but it also sets an expectation that this will be “Stardew Valley, but with ghosts and chocolate.” I think Barone is trying to gently manage that expectation. He wants the creative freedom to make something new, even if it looks familiar at a glance.
The Solo Dev Dilemma
This whole situation is the ultimate solo developer dilemma. Barone’s success is built on his obsessive, singular control over Stardew Valley. That’s why we love it. But that same model means everything—every bug fix, every new line of dialogue, every system in Haunted Chocolatier—goes through one person. And that person also feels responsible for maintaining a game played by millions. It’s an insane workload. The constant Stardew updates, while amazing for players, probably do fuel the “is he distracted?” myths. His post is a plea for trust. Basically, he’s saying, “I’m working on it, but I won’t ruin it by rushing or spoiling it.” After Stardew, he’s earned that trust. Now we just have to be patient. Again.
You can read his full update on the official Haunted Chocolatier website.
