ConcernedApe Addresses Growing Fan Speculation
Eric Barone, better known as ConcernedApe, has directly addressed growing concerns around the status of Haunted Chocolatier, making it clear the game is still in active development and has not been abandoned. In a new post on the official Haunted Chocolatier website, Barone reassured fans that progress is ongoing, even if it is taking longer than expected.
His message was blunt and unambiguous. He is alive, the game is still being worked on, and it will be released when it is ready.
Why Haunted Chocolatier Is Taking So Long
Barone openly acknowledged that announcing Haunted Chocolatier early may have contributed to impatience within the community. However, he explained that the extended timeline is intentional rather than a sign of trouble.
According to Barone, there is still significant work left to complete, and he believes Haunted Chocolatier needs to surpass the quality bar set by Stardew Valley. That standard, combined with the scope of the project, naturally means a longer development cycle.
Image Credit: ConcernedApe
He stressed that taking extra time is preferable to releasing a game that does not meet his own expectations.
Haunted Chocolatier Will Not Be Merged Into Stardew Valley
One of the most persistent rumours Barone addressed was the claim that Haunted Chocolatier might be abandoned and folded into Stardew Valley. He dismissed this outright.
Barone explained that the two games are entirely separate projects, built from scratch on different technology. Because they do not share the same engine, merging content between them would not be feasible in any practical sense. He added that even if Haunted Chocolatier were ever shelved, it would not result in its content appearing inside Stardew Valley.
Stardew Valley Updates Are Not Test Beds
Another common assumption was that ongoing Stardew Valley updates are being used to quietly test ideas for Haunted Chocolatier. Barone rejected this as well.
When he works on Stardew Valley, his focus is solely on improving that game for its existing audience. Likewise, when he works on Haunted Chocolatier, Stardew Valley is not part of the equation. He said testing mechanics in Stardew Valley for another project would be unfair to players and could spoil ideas meant to debut in Haunted Chocolatier.
Image Credit: ConcernedApe
Why Stardew Valley Is Still Receiving Updates
Barone also addressed speculation that he returned to Stardew Valley development because he was burned out on Haunted Chocolatier. He clarified that this is not the case.
Stardew Valley continues to receive updates because of its massive and still-growing player base, and because Barone still has ideas he wants to implement. He has previously indicated he is taking more of a creative director role on Stardew Valley updates, allowing him to prioritise Haunted Chocolatier while still supporting the older game.
No Release Date, And No 2030 Commitment
Barone once again declined to provide a release date for Haunted Chocolatier. He also clarified comments that some fans interpreted as confirmation the game would not launch until 2030.
He explained that when asked in 2025 whether the game might be out within five years, he said he hoped it would be. That statement was not a promise or a timeline, and he does not want to commit to any date until the game is finished.
What This Means For Fans
The update reinforces a familiar message from Barone. Haunted Chocolatier is progressing, rumours of abandonment are unfounded, and development will continue at its own pace. While the wait remains indefinite, the creator’s transparency suggests the project is steady rather than stalled, with quality firmly taking priority over speed.