Expectations for Haunted Chocolatier are 'a huge struggle' for Eric Barone
Stardew Valley creator Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone says he is bracing for a difficult reception when Haunted Chocolatier comes out, since many players will expect it to be a Stardew Valley sequel. He never billed the project as a sequel, but comparisons have been inevitable.
The game has been described as "more of an action RPG" than Stardew Valley, yet Barone stresses it remains a life sim at its core. Haunted Chocolatier adds a darker, more mysterious vibe and shares a similar pixel art aesthetic, while also introducing combat elements.
Development is moving slower than he would like. Barone, who has a small team assisting him but remains the main creative force on both Stardew Valley (which is getting a massive 1.7 update at some point) and Haunted Chocolatier, said, "I would say it's coming along.