Here's the rewritten version of your HTML content with only the text portions modified while preserving all original HTML tags and structure:
Developer ConcernedApe has confirmed that Haunted Chocolatier will feature a more expansive world than Stardew Valley. Discover the latest details about this highly anticipated title and its potential release timeframe.
Haunted Chocolatier Will Surpass Stardew Valley in Scale
Developer Insights and Development Updates
Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, the creative mind behind Stardew Valley, recently dropped exciting news about his upcoming project. In a June 11 Twitter post, the developer revealed that Haunted Chocolatier's game world will exceed Stardew Valley's in size.
While Barone hasn't specified the exact scale difference yet, development appears to be progressing steadily. During the 2025 Game Developers Conference, he shared insights with PC Gamer about balancing both projects.
The developer confessed that separating from Stardew Valley proves challenging, impacting Haunted Chocolatier's development pace. "My deep affection for Stardew Valley and its community keeps pulling my attention away from fully focusing on the new project," Barone explained.
Most of 2024 was consumed by Stardew Valley's massive 1.6 update. Now that this patch has launched across all platforms, Barone can finally direct his complete attention to Haunted Chocolatier.
"With the 1.6 update stabilized across platforms, I'm making a firm commitment to pause Stardew development until Haunted Chocolatier is complete," Barone stated. "I believe Stardew stands as a polished experience that newcomers can enjoy for years to come."
Despite this focus shift, Barone previously told Nintendo Life he could continue enhancing Stardew Valley indefinitely. Fans may eventually see more updates, but for now, completing the chocolate-themed adventure remains his top priority.
Tentative Release Window Shared
Since its initial October 2021 announcement with accompanying gameplay footage, anticipation has grown steadily. Barone now aims to launch Haunted Chocolatier within a five-year window.
During a May appearance on comedian Bobby Lee's Tiger Belly podcast, Barone responded to release timeline questions with a hopeful "I wish" when asked about a five-year window, amusing the host.
They discussed how polished trailers might create false impressions of development completion. Barone compared this to "Hollywood magic" that makes projects appear more finished than reality.
This recent confirmation about the game's expanded scale has heightened fan excitement. While currently in development for PC, Barone intends to expand to additional platforms. Stay informed about the latest developments through our continued coverage!
