Sure, here’s a revised version of the article:
Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the genius behind Stardew Valley, is at it again. Or rather, he hopes to be by 2030. Haunted Chocolatier is his next hopeful masterpiece, but if you’re expecting it anytime soon, well, hold your horses. Yep, not tying himself down to any timelines. Hmm, maybe he’s onto something or just doesn’t want to jinx it.
Remember back in October 2021 when Haunted Chocolatier was all the buzz? It’s supposed to be this chocolatier fantasy game with ghosts. Sounds quirky, right? I didn’t expect to care about a ghost-themed chocolate factory, but here we are. Anyway — wait, where was I? Oh yeah, no clear release date popping up yet.
He got sidetracked, didn’t he? All thanks to the Stardew Valley 1.6 update. Seems like just yesterday that update stirred things up, yet here we are. Barone’s doing this all solo, mind you. His ship, his rules.
Chatting with… oh, what’s his name again… Bobby Lee! Yeah, Barone hinted in an interview that this game could take forever. How lovely! Said he hopes it’s in five years. Or ten. Who knows. Probably depends on how the universe aligns or whatever.
Did you know Haunted Chocolatier has been in the works since 2020? Barone spilled the beans on his blog once. I mean, think back to 2021, and it was all “making good progress.” Then BAM, Stardew Valley pulled him back, like a clingy cat.
December 2024 rolls around, and here we are. “Still a lot of work,” he says. Déjà vu, anyone? Oh, and here’s a fun bit: he does everything himself. No extras, no backup dancers. I guess it’s how he rolls. Only when it’s “essentially complete” will he call for reinforcements. Stardew Valley fans would know. Those updates came way later, remember?
“I don’t want to just be the Stardew Valley guy,” Barone mentioned. Guess he’s dreaming of more worlds to create. Apart from Haunted Chocolatier, he’s got another mystery project cooking. Some secret collab floating around, but mum’s the word.
Is there a moral here? Maybe. Patience is a virtue? Or maybe, just savor the wait. Chocolate tastes better when you wait for it, right? Maybe, maybe not… but hold onto that thought.
