Success of Stardew Valley

The game Stardew Valley, developed by Eric Barone under the name ConcernedApe, has sold 40 million copies, making it one of the most successful independent games of all time.

Pressure on the developer

Barone has spoken about the pressure he feels while working on his next game, Haunted Chocolatier, which was announced five years ago. The development of this new project has been ongoing but at an irregular pace.

Delays and challenges

The schedule for Haunted Chocolatier has been significantly stretched as Barone frequently returns to Stardew Valley, gradually delaying the creation of its successor. He acknowledges this delay, even though it brings new pressures he did not face during the development of his first game.

Creative freedom and past experiences

In a recent interview with GQ, Barone said he finds it hard to regain the creative freedom he had when making Stardew Valley. At that time, the game was a personal project aimed at improving his programming skills while he struggled to find work and to create something that would please his partner.

Impact of Stardew Valley's success

Barone noted that it is difficult to realize how many people have played Stardew Valley and the impact it has had, as that was never part of his original plan. The game, once a small personal project, is now a major reference in independent gaming and part of the cozy gaming scene.

Expectations and pressure

He admitted that everyone is watching him now and that if he does not meet certain expectations, he risks disappointing millions of fans. However, he has made it clear that he will not rush the development of Haunted Chocolatier.

Focus on quality over speed

Despite the community's impatience, Barone has repeatedly stated that he wants to take his time and release the game only when it is truly ready. He has emphasized that the game will not be rushed, regardless of external pressure.

Target audience and updates

According to Barone, Haunted Chocolatier will likely appeal more to players of Stardew Valley who enjoyed exploring the mines and fighting, rather than those who focused on farming. In the meantime, he plans to release the 1.7 update of Stardew Valley, keeping the community engaged until news about the new game emerges.