It’s No Surprise If Haunted Chocolatier’s Release Is Delayed

Eric Barone, the genius behind Stardew Valley, tossed out an update about Haunted Chocolatier that’s, well, kinda bumming some folks out. Basically, don’t hold your breath—might be a while before it’s ready. We’re talking “next decade” long. Yikes, right? Stardew fanatics, strap in, you’re gonna need some patience.

So, Barone was on Bobby Lee’s podcast, TigerBelly, just chillin’, chatting. Lee hit him with the big question: “Think we’ll see Haunted Chocolatier in the next five years?” Barone goes, “I hope so.” Not exactly shouting from the rooftops, huh? And yeah, even though it was announced back in 2021, there’s still a mountain of work left. Imagine that.

But really, it’s not like he’s just sitting around. Stardew Valley keeps him busy. Like, seriously busy. Haunted Chocolatier’s been sitting in the corner collecting dust—Barone’s own words, not mine. He’s got a thing for Stardew, and who can blame him? The game’s a juggernaut, pulling him back to drop massive updates. And get this, he built a “vertical slice”—which sounds fancy but basically means the game’s rough bones are there. Still, lots more to do. No surprise it’s gonna take years given his “fuss over every detail” vibe.

Oh, right, Haunted Chocolatier, in case you missed it, is more about candy-making in ghost-infested castles, ditching the whole farming thing Stardew had going. Plus, ghosts. Because why not? More combat too. So that’s nifty.

Feels like when this game finally sees the light, it’ll mark the end of an era, right? Stardew has been Barone’s baby, and stepping away, even a bit, is a big deal. But hey, new beginnings can be exciting. Whenever it drops, even if we’re all ten years older, it’s bound to be fascinating. I’ll just be here, waiting, dreaming of chocolate and ghosts.