Stardew Valley's Future Uncertain as Creator Focuses on Haunted Chocolatier

04/30/2025 Farming Simulation

The creator of the beloved farming simulator Stardew Valley, Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone, has announced his focus will be solely on his upcoming game, Haunted Chocolatier. This means that, for the foreseeable future, development on Stardew Valley will be put on hold.

Following the extensive 1.6 update for Stardew Valley, which added a plethora of new features and content, Barone has made it clear that he wants to dedicate his full attention to finishing Haunted Chocolatier. He's expressed that the goal is to deliver a high-quality experience rather than rushing the release, echoing his previous comments about prioritizing quality over a strict timeline.

A Solo Dev's Journey

Developing games as a solo developer is a challenging endeavor, a fact that Barone readily acknowledges. He's openly discussed how his vision and creative approach have evolved over the years he's spent working on Haunted Chocolatier, leading him to revisit and refine aspects of the game. This process, while time-consuming, is crucial for ensuring the game meets his standards.

While he's committed to not working on Stardew Valley until Haunted Chocolatier is complete, Barone has hinted that Stardew Valley isn't entirely finished. He's stated that he is proud of the game in its current state and believes that new players starting in 2025 will still find it enjoyable. However, the extent of any future updates remains unclear, dependent on the completion of Haunted Chocolatier.

With over 41 million copies sold across various platforms, Stardew Valley's success is undeniable. The game continues to receive positive reviews and maintains a dedicated fanbase. The upcoming Symphony of Seasons concert further cements its lasting impact on the gaming community.