Eric Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, has just revealed a major new detail about his highly anticipated upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier. According to a recent post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, the game’s world will be larger than the one in Stardew Valley, his massively successful indie farming simulator.
This announcement has fans more excited than ever. While Barone didn’t elaborate on what “larger” means—whether in terms of map size, explorable regions, or depth of content—the tease alone is enough to stir conversation in the gaming community. With Stardew Valley having set the gold standard for cozy simulation games, the idea that Haunted Chocolatier could offer an even bigger world is thrilling.
A Darker, More Action-Packed Direction
While Stardew Valley focused on farming, town life, and community building, Haunted Chocolatier promises a different flavor of gameplay. Players will run a magical chocolate shop in a haunted, fantasy-inspired town. Though it retains the familiar pixel art charm, this new title will lean more heavily into action-RPG combat and exploration, giving it a darker, more adventurous tone.
The game features mysterious castle settings, enchanted creatures, and what appears to be a richer, more fantastical atmosphere. Barone has confirmed that the combat will be more involved than what players experienced in Stardew Valley’s mines, likely blending action elements with resource collection for chocolate-making.
What This Means for Fans
Though details remain limited, the size of the world in Haunted Chocolatier could suggest more biomes, characters, quests, or dungeons—expanding what was already a deep and immersive formula. Fans are hopeful that the expanded world will offer a more ambitious experience while keeping the cozy, heartfelt essence that made Stardew Valley beloved.
Despite the slow drip of updates, the developer’s reputation speaks volumes. Barone has taken a thoughtful and deliberate approach to development, promising quality over speed. With such a devoted fanbase, even the smallest updates—like this one—spark massive buzz online.