ConcernedApe’s New Game
After the phenomenon of Stardew Valley, Eric Barone — known as ConcernedApe — is making his next game: Haunted Chocolatier.
Unlike Stardew Valley’s codebase, Haunted Chocolatier is built on a new C# / MonoGame foundation. In his Jan 2026 blog, Barone confirmed it will not be folded into Stardew Valley and that Stardew updates are not a testing ground for HC.
Barone describes Haunted Chocolatier as the moon to Stardew Valley’s sun — a different mood. It shares the cozy pixel-art spirit but adds heavier action-RPG combat, a haunted-castle setting, and a chocolate-shop economy.
Barone continues to develop solo, with help on music and art. He has stated the game will release only when it is 100% complete and polished.
Based on official ConcernedApe statements and interviews. Fan-made page — not affiliated with ConcernedApe.