Haunted Chocolatier, the next game being developed by Stardew Valley dev ConcernedApe, is cause for excitement, given the plethora of possibilities the new title holds. One possible addition to Haunted Chocolatier may be a reputation system completely unique to the game’s haunted setting.
While the official release date is still unknown, the prospect of a new game from one of the indie world’s greatest successes has had fans speculating ever since its official announcement in 2021. Little is currently known about the major details of the game, but ConcernedApe has said that this time around, the influence of RPG combat systems will play a larger role, as opposed to Stardew Valley's combat system. Coupled with the supernatural themes at play as the player works with ghosts to revive a chocolate factory, this suggests that while the game may share some DNA with Stardew Valley, fans are in for a much different experience. Taking those themes together, one way for Haunted Chocolatier to set itself apart is by including a reputation system related to the ghosts the player will meet.
2024 Might Still Be a Big Year for Haunted Chocolatier
Even though it may not launch this year, 2024 may still be a big year for Haunted Chocolatier, so long as ConcernedApe remains committed to it.
Haunted Chocolatier Could Make Players Think Carefully About Ghostly Connections
The gameplay trailer revealed that players will be assisted in their shop by ghosts, but it would be a missed opportunity for the haunting to stop there. While the spirits shown off look generic, it would only make sense for some unique ghosts to appear, probably playing a large role in the story of Haunted Chocolatier. Player’s relationships in Stardew Valley took a key center point, so their relationships with these unique ghosts should bring a similar gameplay experience here.
With RPG and management sim mechanics, Haunted Chocolatier tries to blend several genres and themes together, and the best way to do that is by fully embracing the standards of each. Many popular RPGs have included a reputation system governing how different NPCs and in-game factions view the player. This particular mechanic would blend quite well with Stardew Valley’s relationship system. Some NPCs are sure to be put off by the player using ghosts in their shop, maybe on moral grounds, or maybe because they’re scared of them. Still, others might enjoy how the practice makes the shop unique. Letting the player’s interactions with the spirits influence their interactions with the living would be one way for Haunted Chocolatier to keep things fresh in an ever-changing market.
The Possibilities of Unique Ghost Encounters
At present, little is known about the ghosts in Haunted Chocolatier, but the name of the game implies big things for the creatures. The ghosts seen in the trailer are run-of-the-mill orblike beings that evoke spectral origins without giving any detail about them as individuals. But while none have yet been revealed, it seems natural that there will be ghostly NPCs as well. These characters must come with a personality, and likely a history that the player will explore as they become acquainted. There may even be romanceable ghosts in Haunted Chocolatier.
A reputation system would link well with the hidden histories of these NPCs. If a ghost is the deceased version of a disliked former town member, for example, the townspeople would form a poor reputation of the player if they befriend that ghost. Conversely, specific town residents might have family members on the other side that they want the player to check in on, increasing their reputation. Just like in reality, the residents of the town in Haunted Chocolatier are sure to have varied beliefs and views of the afterlife, and may not like those views being challenged, or might enjoy them being confirmed.
"I can't commit to a release date yet. It's still relatively early in development and I want to be able to work in peace without the pressure of a release date, or even an estimated release date." - ConcernedApe on when Haunted Chocolatier will release
The player will be working with spirits, but a risk and reward element of ghost employment in the form of reputation could influence how they work with them. It adds a layer to the gameplay missing from many management sims. Combining genre standards can be tricky work, but by pairing similar ones, ConcernedApe has the opportunity to create something wholly original. A cozy version of business management is sure to help Haunted Chocolatier stand out from stressful management sims. Haunted Chocolatier may not have a release date yet, but ConcernedApe's commitment to including brand-new mechanics is encouraging; hopefully a reputation system ends up on that list of features.
Haunted Chocolatier
Haunted Chocolatier is an upcoming adventure game from Stardew Valley creator ConcernedApe (Eric Barone). The game is currently set to feature a lush explorable world, chocolate making and cooking, a spooky theme, and more. There is currently no release date or time period for the game.
