Seattle, Wash. – Eric Barone, the creative force behind the popular indie game Stardew Valley, is ready to shift his focus as he embarks on his next project, Haunted Chocolatier. Despite the immense success of Stardew Valley, Barone has decided to step back temporarily from his beloved farming simulator, which has continued to receive updates even eight years after its initial launch.
In a recent conversation, Barone—often recognized by his online handle ConcernedApe—expressed his deep affection for Stardew Valley and his commitment to providing fans with a rewarding experience. He acknowledged feeling a strong sense of responsibility toward the game, admitting that it has often distracted him from completing Haunted Chocolatier, which he began developing in 2020. “I think at some point I’m going to have to completely cut off everything else,” Barone shared, contemplating a drastic retreat from digital life to focus solely on his new project.
While Barone may not actually seek solitude in a cabin, he assured players that Stardew Valley’s upcoming 1.6 update is nearing completion. He indicated that most issues have been resolved, and he feels confident about the game’s current state. “I’m committed to not working on Stardew Valley until I’m done with Haunted Chocolatier. I think it’s in a good place. I feel very solid about it,” he said. Barone is hopeful that newcomers to the game, even as late as 2025, will find joy in its offerings.
As he shifts gears, Barone reflected on the challenges of game development, particularly as a solo creator. After nearly five years of intermittent work on Haunted Chocolatier, he found himself redesigning various aspects of the game. “Part of the problem of being a solo dev is that it takes years to create a game. I’m literally a different person in four years,” he noted, acknowledging how his evolving tastes and perspectives affect his work.
In the meantime, fans of Stardew Valley can indulge in its charm across multiple platforms, including consoles, mobile devices, and PCs. With its warm community and engaging gameplay, the title continues to thrive, partly due to Barone’s dedication to ensuring that it remains enjoyable and relevant to its audience.
As he prepares for Haunted Chocolatier, Barone is optimistic about both projects and aims to deliver unique experiences to players. The dedication he has shown to both games signals a commitment to quality that fans have come to appreciate over the years. With a renewed focus, Barone’s next endeavor could very well build on the legacy of Stardew Valley, creating yet another cherished experience for gamers worldwide.