Haunted Chocolatier Fans Shouldn’t Wait Up for Early Access

Haunted Chocolatier Fans Shouldn't Wait Up for Early Access

As a seasoned gamer who’s been around the block more times than I care to remember, I can say with utmost certainty that ConcernedApe’s Haunted Chocolatier has me on tenterhooks. The tantalizing blend of nostalgia and novelty it promises is a potent concoction indeed. But what’s got my nerves jangling isn’t the prospect of a new game from the Stardew Valley creator, no sirree! It’s the lack of information about its release date that’s giving me the heebie-jeebies.


The main drawback of ConcernedApe’s second project, titled “Haunted Chocolatier,” is the absence of a confirmed release date. This game aims to expand upon the success of its predecessor, Stardew Valley, by preserving its distinctive aesthetics and gameplay mechanics while introducing innovative narrative and mechanical aspects.

For enthusiasts of Stardew Valley, who have already explored all that the game has offered in its eight-year lifespan, the upcoming release of Haunted Chocolatier presents an enticing prospect. After all, Stardew Valley’s relaxing gameplay and management aspects significantly influenced and raised the bar for cozy and life simulation genres. Consequently, Haunted Chocolatier faces a tall order in living up to these high standards.

ConcernedApe Wasn’t Keen On Early Access Ahead of Stardew Valley’s Launch

Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, discussed in a past interview with MVC/Develop the journey of creating Stardew Valley. He expressed gratitude for teaming up with indie publisher Chucklefish, as it allowed him to progress without resorting to early access.

Barone expressed that almost every independent game at the moment was opting for Early Access, but Stardew Valley didn’t seem to align well with this approach since it offered less of an open-ended sandbox experience and more of a carefully designed life simulation with limited freedom and progression aspects. Furthermore, Barone emphasized that he wanted Stardew Valley to avoid feeling like an incomplete product because at the time, there was a growing skepticism among consumers towards Early Access, as they were becoming increasingly disappointed with the early access model.

From these statements, it’s clear that Barone maintains a high level of quality in his games, as evidenced by Stardew Valley’s numerous post-release updates. His focus on detail and dedication to excellence, even if it takes more time, likely leads him to avoid early access or open beta stages, preferring instead to present a polished product to the public.

Many independent games find success during early access development, yet it’s important to note that this approach doesn’t suit every game creator equally.

Haunted Chocolatier Skipping Early Access Could Be Bittersweet

If Barone maintains his initial sentiments towards game development similar to what he felt during the creation of Stardew Valley, it’s unlikely that Haunted Chocolatier will have an early access phase. This might dishearten those gamers who prefer quicker releases, considering that the exact launch date for Chocolatier remains uncertain. However, delaying the release for a fully-fledged and complete version also comes with its own set of benefits.

As a dedicated gamer, I can relate to Barone’s insights. Just like how Stardew Valley might not have shined during its early access phase, mainly due to its magic lying in the depth and diversity of its narrative and NPC development that unfolds over extended gameplay sessions. Given that Haunted Chocolatier shares some similarities with Stardew Valley, there’s a chance it could fall flat during its early release, perhaps diminishing the excitement of its full 1.0 unveiling.

Barone might have adjusted his stance on early access releases, given his extensive post-launch support for Stardew Valley. In essence, his understanding of what constitutes a “finished” game could have evolved. Moreover, the potential for funding during an early access phase, considering Stardew Valley’s reputation, is significant, so various scenarios are plausible.

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2024-10-08 21:35