ConcernedApe describes Haunted Chocolatier as action RPG and town game

Eric Barone, known as ConcernedApe, has shared details about his new game Haunted Chocolatier. He told GQ magazine that the title is more of an action RPG than a farming sim like Stardew Valley. The main focus is on adventuring and finding equipment to get stronger.

Barone clarified that the game will still be what he calls a town game. Players can expect to settle into a new town and build up their business. However, there are monsters and boss fights for those who want combat. The developer also cited David Lynch as an inspiration for darker themes.

There is a disagreement about how long development has taken. Kotaku and Nintendo Life reported the project has been in works for over four years. GamingBolt quotes Barone saying he has been working on it for about one and a half to two years recently after announcing it in 2021.

The developer mentioned feeling pressure because many people are watching him work. He said if he does not do things a certain way, millions of people might be disappointed. Barone added that he misses the time when there was no audience and expectations were high.

No release window has been announced for the title yet. Barone compared showing unfinished work to serving a turkey halfway through cooking it in the oven. He said no one is playing the game until he is ready to show it.

While finishing Haunted Chocolatier, he is also supporting Stardew Valley with updates. One future version for that game has been dubbed 1.7 but details have not been revealed.