ConcernedApe exploded onto the indie scene with farming simulator Stardew Valley in 2016. The critically acclaimed title took elements from previous games in the same genre and built upon them to create something truly unique. Stardew Valley generated a dedicated fanbase and helped to set the standard for single-person development, and players were excited to see where ConcernedApe would go next.
A surprise announcement in 2021 revealed that ConcernedApe's next title would be Haunted Chocolatier, a similar simulation game that would task gamers with setting up and running a chocolate shop in a new town with a brand-new cast of characters to get to know. While many of the elements that make up Haunted Chocolatier seem to echo aspects of the fan-favorite Stardew Valley, ConcernedApe has made it clear that there will be changes too. Haunted Chocolatier could be seen as a darker version of Stardew Valley, and there are several key themes that have been revealed as well.
The Sun Vs. The Moon
Through ConcernedApe's occasional development updates since the announcement, Haunted Chocolatier has begun to take shape. Stardew Valley had a humbler focus, with players raising crops, living off the land, and connecting to nature and their community, which ConcernedApe described as "channeling the energy of the sun." In contrast, Haunted Chocolatier will feature more mystery, darkness, and extraordinary experiences that channel "the energy of the moon."
With its ghostly helpers, haunted castle, and more macabre elements, it seems as if Haunted Chocolatier will be pursuing a different tone. However, the developer reiterated that although Haunted Chocolatier could be seen as the darker side of the coin to Stardew Valley, the upcoming game will still have an optimistic and life-affirming focus, even if it's not all sunshine and smiling faces. Players will still be able to imbed themselves in their new community and get to know the variety of NPCs that live around them. They can explore, grow their business, and navigate through a plethora of different challenges and activities.
Uncovering Mysteries And Learning Truths
Players that have experienced Stardew Valley know ConcernedApe's penchant for a mystery. Beyond the charmingly simplistic visuals, Stardew Valley has some deceptively complex gameplay with many different facets and layers. There are countless mysteries and secrets for gamers to uncover as they progress through the game, but players can also play the farming simulator in a straightforward manner and barely encounter any of these hidden aspects, which is part of ConcernedApe's genius.
Haunted Chocolatier seems like it will also be layered with mysteries and truths to uncover, whether this is about hidden elements within the house that players reside in, or if this is about supernatural creatures and secrets within the town. It could also share a similarity with Stardew Valley, and focus on the mysteries of the community that players find themselves in. Gamers can pursue romances and friendships with the NPCs around them, and this gives ConcernedApe a chance to showcase their skill at shaping different characters and creating compelling backstories.
Just like Stardew Valley, it seems like ConcernedApe's next game will have multiple levels with which players can engage, like the challenge of running a successful business, taking on enemies with the game's unique combat, getting to know the locals, solving mysteries, and celebrating different sides of life. Some aspects of Haunted Chocolatier remain as unknown as its release date, but the developer has shed enough light on the game to get players and fans of Stardew Valley excited. It appears as if ConcernedApe is taking the established format of the previous game and running with it, pushing the boundaries further and aiming to create something special once again.
Haunted Chocolatier is currently in development.