Haunted Chocolatier May Need to Cut its Teeth on Gameplay at Launch

Summary

The anticipation forHaunted Chocolatiercontinues to mount, as solo developer ConcernedApe hasn’t offered many updates since the game’s 2021 announcement. As his first game since the hitStardew Valley,Haunted Chocolatieruses the same formula of the popular farming sim. However, this time around, players take on the role of a candy maker who lives in a haunted castle.

What ConcernedApe has been able to do on his own is truly impressive.Stardew Valleyis one of the most successful indie games ever, and is still wildly popular eight years later. Even after spending hours with the game, players are stilldiscovering new features inStardew Valley, and this simple, yet robust, world is what keeps many hooked. However, this long-running love presentsHaunted Chocolatierwith a high bar to achieve once the game finally launches.

Haunted Chocolatier Tag Page Cover Art

Stardew Valley’s Years of Content Set a Tough Standard For Haunted Chocolatier

Unfortunately, the popularity ofStardew Valleythreatens to hurtHaunted Chocolatierwhen it is released. Not only will high expectations play a major factor in whether fan reception is positive or not, but there is also the potential threat ofHauntedChocolatierfeeling like it is lacking contentcompared toStardew Valley.

The game has received a variety of updates since its initial release. These updates have added a smorgasbord of new items for players to enjoy, but that isn’t even the biggest contributor to new in-game content.Stardew Valleyhas a massive modding community that has brought almost any possible mod to life through the years. If the game wants to excel from the very beginning,Haunted Chocolatier needs at least some mod support, so players can build upon what ConcernedApe has worked so hard to bring to life.

haunted chocolatier progress update stardew valley developer

ConcernedApe has revealed no set release date forHaunted Chocolatier.

The manydifferent mods available forStardew Valleyhave continued to breathe new life into the game. Mods may not be for everyone, but there are plenty of players who are used to playing an expanded version ofStardew Valley. That might make it really hard forHaunted Chocolatierto get out from under the game’s shadow. Eight years of continuous content from the game’s fan base is no small challenge, but ConcernedApe is aware of player expectations. At the very least, there will likely be some sort of mod support at launch, but making sure the game elevates all the best parts ofStardew Valley’s base game is also the key to success.

Strong Gameplay Can Keep Haunted Chocolatier From Feeling Like It’s Missing Something

Thanks to the success ofStardew Valley,Haunted Chocolatierhas plenty of time to stay in the oven. Although it is exciting to think about what the developer has in store next, many fans ofStardew Valleyhold a lot of respect for ConceredApe and realize that developing a game alone is no easy feat. The more time ConcernedApe gets to develop the game, the better its gameplay is bound to be, and this can make the potential lack of content not be so noticeable. If a game features strong mechanics and compelling stories, mod support right out the gate and an update roadmap aren’t necessary.

ConcernedApe has already proven that he has what it takes to create a base game that is still wildly satisfying.The world ofStardew Valleyhas been expanded by its developer and the community, and that is bound to happen withHaunted Chocolatier. However, that kind of growth doesn’t have to happen immediately. OnceHaunted Chocolatiergets released, players should give the game plenty of time to explore and come to a conclusion about its content after a few hours. IfHaunted Chocolatierdoes end up feeling bare compared toStardew Valley, it definitely won’t stay that way for long.

A character from Haunted Chocolatier swinging a stick at Kel from Stardew Valley