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My first definitive\u00a0verification of Haunted Chocolatier came straight from the source as I sat down with developer Eric Barone, AKA ConcernedApe, to look over Stardew Valley\u2019s remarkable success. He touched briefly on his upcoming projects (yes, plural projects) and was happy to report that the game likely to come out first \u2013 Haunted Chocolatier \u2013 is a solo endeavor. Despite the lack of specifics, I was thrilled to hear the indie creator\u2019s next project was in the works.<\/p>\n

Then he surprised everyone. Barone publicly shared early Haunted Chocolatier gameplay footage, and it looked incredible. The art style immediately evoked Barone\u2019s first title, though the developer made it clear fans shouldn\u2019t expect the same experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cIn Stardew Valley,\u201d Barone writes in his news blog, \u201cthe focus was more humble: living off the land, growing food, and connecting to the people and nature around you. However, with my next game, I wanted to explore more fantastical possibilities\u2026 experiences that take you beyond the ordinary. That\u2019s where magical haunted ghost chocolate comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n