Eric Barone, the sole developer behind Stardew Valley, is working to complete his upcoming game Haunted Chocolatier after returning to isolation to focus on its development. Writing on the Haunted Chocolatier website, Barone apologized for the game “taking so long” while reassuring fans that he’s making good progress.
“I won’t compromise on the quality of the game by rushing it or releasing it too early,” he wrote, per a report by GQ. According to the publication, Barone has “returned to isolation” to concentrate on finishing the title. “I really want to recapture that feeling that I had when I was making Stardew Valley,” he said. “Everyone’s watching me, and if I don’t do things a certain way, it might disappoint millions of people.”

The game is shaping up to be bigger, and creepier, than its predecessor. In 2025, Barone said he “hoped” the game would release within the next five years, meaning players could expect it before 2030.

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