Summary
ConcernedApe is hard at work developing and designing his latest game,Haunted Chocolatierfrom scratch. Based on the official announcement video and screenshots he’s posted on his official blog, the game looks a lot like his acclaimed first title:Stardew Valley; from the sprites to the setting. This isn’t a bad thing at all, as many fans adore the developer’s penchant for a retro pixel art style and top-down gameplay. However, this striking resemblance does make fans speculate aboutHaunted Chocolatierpossibly sharing the same world asStardew Valley. If it does, its story could tackle a major conflict that was seldom discussed in the previous game.
Haunted Chocolatierwas officially unveiled in a gameplay video in 2021, and it showed what the players’ day-to-day activities would probably look like. The developer stated that this game will focus more on combat compared to its predecessor. Its gameplay loop will also be different, as the player will likely spend most of their time foraging for ingredients, making chocolate, and selling their confections. Judging from the game’s trailer, blog posts, andinterviews with ConcernedApeso far, the game will likely have some deep lore, and if that lore connects to Stardew Valley, one interesting conflict will likely be brought up: the Ferngill Republic-Gotoro Empire war.
Explaining the Hidden War in Stardew Valley That Haunted Chocolatier Could Discuss
The world outsideStardew Valley’s region is rarely discussed in-game, but some characters do mention two nations that are at war with each other:
The Ferngill Republic - Gotoro Empire War isn’t explicitly shown on screen, as it will likely ruinStardew Valley’s idyllic atmosphere. Instead, it’s described mostly through conversations with Kent and his son, Sam. Before Kent comes home, Sam will talk about how his dad is a soldier fighting against the Gotoro Empire and how ruthless the opposing country is. Once Kent comes back in Year 2, the player will hear him talk about being in a Gotoro prison camp when they gift him something he hates.
Other references to the Ferngill Republic - Gotoro Empire conflict include figures in Harvey’s bedroom, which feature designs of fighter planes from both countries. The Museum’s Library also contains books about the history of theGotoro Empireand debates regarding the necessity of going to war with them. Unfortunately, the player can’t read the books' contents.
How Haunted Chocolatier Could Continue to Chronicle the Ferngill Republic and Gotoro Empire’s War
Many fans are speculating that theHaunted Chocolatier’s mountain ranges share a striking resemblance toStardew Valley, which means that it could be set in another Ferngill Republic community or region. It could even be in the Gotoro Empire, for all anyone knows. Either way, such conflicts have lasting effects on a country’s development and stability, and it would be interesting to see it reflected on the environment ofHaunted Chocolatier.
If the game takes place chronologically beforeStardew Valley, it could discuss the events leading up to the conflict. IfHaunted Chocolatierhappens further in the future, it could subtly show the effects that war could have on a nation, like food shortages and higher prices due to inflation. The game could even highlight how companies like theJoja Corporation(if it exists here) profit off such violent conflicts through questlines.
Haunted Chocolatier
WHERE TO PLAY
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.
