Stardew Valley creator Concerned Ape has provided a new update on his upcoming game Haunted Chocolatier, confirming steady development progress. In a blog post, he debunked common myths and emphasized that the title remains a separate project. Fans speculate about a potential shadow drop, though no release date was announced.
Haunted Chocolatier, announced in 2021 by Eric Barone, known as Concerned Ape, has long been anticipated as a cozy follow-up to Stardew Valley. The game involves running a haunted chocolate factory, gathering ingredients, interacting with spirits, and selling supernatural products to customers. Nearly five years after its reveal, updates have been infrequent, leading to fan speculation.
On January 28, a new blog post appeared on the official Haunted Chocolatier website. Concerned Ape stated he has been “very productive lately” on the project, sharing a few new screenshots. He addressed circulating myths, clarifying that Haunted Chocolatier is entirely separate from Stardew Valley. It will not be added as content to the farming sim, and Stardew updates are not covert tests for the new game.
Regarding release rumors, Concerned Ape denied ever promising a 2030 launch. Responding to a 2025 query about a five-year timeline, he had said, “I hope so.” He reiterated, “it will come out when it’s done,” avoiding a specific date to prevent delays. This has fueled fan theories of a shadow drop, similar to surprise releases in indie gaming.
The update follows the September 2025 announcement of Stardew Valley 1.7, which includes more character and social features plus a new farm type. Despite this, Concerned Ape affirmed ongoing work on Haunted Chocolatier. He concluded, “I’m alive, the game is still in development, and it will come out when it’s ready. Thank you for your patience.”
While no timeline emerged, the post reassures fans of active development, quelling doubts after years of silence.
