ConcernedApe's Haunted Chocolatier is the Stardew Creator's Next Game

ConcernedApe has become one of the most prolific solo developers of the last five years, thanks to the success of their chart-topping farm life sim Stardew Valley. But as that game gently descends into its twilight, a new one has risen. Introducing ConcernedApes Haunted Chocolatier.

Announced online by developer Eric Barone (ConcernedApe), Haunted Chocolatier will be their next official game. In it, the player takes residence within a haunted chocolate factory building, using it to start their own business. There will still be plenty of adventuring, socializing, and magical experiences to encounter, as well.

At its core, the gameplay loop involves gathering ingredients, making chocolate, and running a chocolate shop, Barone explained on the games new website. Of course, theres a lot more to the game than that, but I dont want to get too deep into it at this early stage.

Barone explains that the concept behind Haunted Chocolatier is to work as kind of an opposite parallel to Stardew Valley.

In Stardew Valley, the focus was more humble: living off the land, growing food, and connecting to the people and nature around you. However, with my next game, I wanted to explore more fantastical possibilities experiences that take you beyond the ordinary. Thats where magical haunted ghost chocolate comes in.

The continued, expanding that it's not a negative or inverse to Stardew.

If Stardew Valley mostly channeled the energy of the sun, Haunted Chocolatier channels the energy of the moon. Both are vital.

No release date, or window, was given. A great deal of work still needs to be done, and Barone doesnt want to put any restriction or pressure on himself to make progress. He did warn that it will be a long while before its ready for release. But given his professional history, the least we can do is be patient and trust that the final product will be something we all can enjoy.