Eric Barone says no one is playing Haunted Chocolatier yet
For many game developers, the journey of creation is a solitary one, but for Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone, the process of crafting his next digital world is less about isolation and more about meticulous timing. While his partner Amber waits patiently, Barone is deep into the development of his new title, Haunted Chocolatier, and he insists that the entire experience is still cooking.
Like his earlier sensation, Stardew Valley, Barone is determined to handle the core creative vision of his project himself. He prefers to be the one sitting at the controls, playing the game while it is being built. This approach means that while he may occasionally bring in outside assistance for non-creative tasks, he maintains total control over the development process, prioritizing his vision above all else.
Barone sums up this philosophy with a wry comparison, comparing the need for patience in game development to the demanding process of cooking a Thanksgiving turkey. He insists that just as one must allow the turkey to cook fully before serving, a game must be allowed the necessary time to mature before it is released.
“No one’s playing the game until I’m ready to show it,” he states, emphasizing that rushing the process results in a subpar product. This metaphor highlights his belief that quality requires thoroughness, suggesting that premature release simply means serving half-baked ideas to the audience.
In discussing the mechanics of Haunted Chocolatier, Barone frames it as a specific type of experience. He describes the game as “more of an action RPG” than his previous work, specifically targeting fans who enjoy the mining and growth elements inherent in the experience.
This focus on player engagement through exploration and grinding positions Haunted Chocolatier for those who enjoy delving into the mines to accumulate power and resources. It’s a testament to Barone’s commitment: a thoughtful, carefully developed game, built by the creator himself, and ready when he decides it is.
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