Overview
- Eric Barone told GQ in interviews published Oct. 12, 2026 that Haunted Chocolatier is “more of an action RPG” and will prioritize adventuring, combat and gear progression.
- He framed the game as aimed at players who liked Stardew Valley’s mine exploration, saying this project builds the combat elements into the core loop rather than leaving them as a side activity.
- The premise remains cozy and unique: you play a chocolatier in a haunted castle who gathers rare ingredients, crafts chocolates and runs a shop alongside exploring dangerous locations and fighting monsters.
- Barone is developing the game largely solo, has kept the project private with no external playtests, and again declined to give any release date, saying he will show the game only when it is ready.
- Watch for how Barone balances the cozy shop systems with the tougher action content and for any future signs of broader testing or a release window, because those moves will shape fan expectations and the timeline for launch.