Possible Delay for Stardew Valley Creator’s New Game Release

Oh wow, Eric Barone—yep, that guy, the brains behind Stardew Valley—is back at it, aiming to roll out Haunted Chocolatier by 2030. But, uh, don’t hold your breath for a specific release date. Seems like he’s in no hurry, and honestly? He’s not even making promises. Could launch later than some folks are hoping. No clue, really.

So, he first chatted about this ghostly chocolate adventure back in 2021. And yeah, it’s got ghosts—maybe even spooky chocolate ghosts?—in a fantasy world. A bit of action RPG stuff sprinkled in, just for fun. Since then, he’s given us some updates, but nothing solid about when it’ll actually hit our screens.

Oh, and a fun fact: Haunted Chocolatier’s been cooking, like literal chocolate, since 2020. Surprise! Barone did say he was cruising along with development in December 2021, but then—plot twist—he paused to work on a big Stardew Valley update. That update was a whopper with loads of new stuff and changes, which came out in March 2024. Only recently did he get back to the chocoholic chaos.

Caught a snippet of Barone chatting with Bobby Lee—yeah, the comedian guy—and when asked if Haunted Chocolatier would be a reality within five years, Barone cautiously tossed out a “I hope so.” Lots to wrap up, he hinted. It’s like finishing a puzzle but you’ve lost a piece under the couch, you know?

And here’s the kicker—he’s been flying solo on this one. No extra hands until it’s practically done. Flashback to his Stardew Valley tale, he only brought in help after update 1.3. Talk about being a one-man band.

But Barone doesn’t want to be pigeonholed as only the “Stardew Valley dude.” Said in multiple interviews he’s got lifelong commitment issues with Stardew Valley, meaning he might never really leave it alone. But seriously, Haunted Chocolatier and some other secretive projects keep ticking away in his mind. Oh, about that mystery game? Still hush-hush. Maybe aliens are involved. Who knows. 🤷

Barone clearly isn’t just about one game. Stardew’s his baby, sure, but there’s more brewing in his creative cauldron. Meanwhile, we wait, not-so-patiently, for chocolates and ghosts. Sounds kind of sweet, doesn’t it?