ConcernedApe Gives Haunted Chocolatier Update: 'Still Grinding'

Nearly five years after its initial 2021 announcement, anticipation for Haunted Chocolatier remains high, even as the game continues to stay on the horizon. In a recent blog post titled "Still here, still grinding," developer Eric Barone—better known as ConcernedApe—provided a candid update on why the title is taking so long to reach the finish line.

Barone acknowledged that he feels "kinda dumb" repeating that he is still working on the game, but emphasized that he feels it is necessary to be "very thoughtful about every aspect." For Barone, the pressure to deliver a high-quality experience is internal; he aims to ensure that every system in the game is "perfect."

The Search for Perfection

To illustrate the level of detail he is currently focusing on, Barone pointed to the game's chocolate-making mechanics. He noted that he has already iterated on the recipe book multiple times and continues to "torture" himself over the design. His goal is to find a balance where the system feels intuitive rather than overwhelming or overly trivial.

This dedication to detail stems from Barone’s desire to create a game that does more than just provide comfort—he wants to actively "delight" the player. Because Haunted Chocolatier is a large-scale project, he believes that this level of iteration is the only way to make a game he is ultimately satisfied with.

A 'Fully Baked' Experience

The developer also addressed why he remains relatively quiet regarding screenshots and deep-dives into mechanics. Barone stated, "I don’t like to share too many screenshots, or even talk about the systems in too much detail, while the game is in development. Partly, it feels like I’m serving a half-baked bread. I would rather serve a fully baked bread."

While fans have often speculated about the extended development timeline—sometimes pointing to the massive updates Barone continues to release for Stardew Valley—the latest update makes it clear that the primary driver is his personal standard for the new project. Despite the ongoing jokes regarding the wait, Barone’s commitment to quality suggests that he is willing to take as much time as necessary to avoid releasing an incomplete experience.

For now, Haunted Chocolatier remains in development for PC, with no further information on potential console platforms or a specific release date. For those following the project, the message remains the same: the game is coming, but it will arrive only when Barone is fully satisfied with the final result.