Why Haunted Chocolatier Will Change Cozy Gaming Forever

A deep dive into Concernedape's "Haunted Chocolatier" and the impact it will have on cozy gaming as a whole.
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#stardewvalley #hauntedchocolatier #concernedape #cozygaming

[@sassygrilledcheese]

I just appreciate that Eric hasn't been tainted by money. He must be protected at all costs.

[@rose_flame4404]

Yeah Eric has always been very dedicated to his games to the point of working for over 6 hours every day for 4 years to the point were he was losing a bit of financial security. Of all people he deserves a break for a little while and yet he’s back at it because it’s what he loves to do and now he doesn’t have to worry about becoming homeless because of his passion

[@rilstrup83]

@sassygrilledcheese, @rose_flame4404 is r correct about Eric overworking & under charging for his project to the point of detriment for his and the gaming world. Honestly, I hope he prices his next game high enough that it results in him having the financial security he deserves. He could easily double the price of his next game, all while still offering an amazing product & coming in at a price point under that of triple A game studios (although Id be completely fine pay triple A $ for his game). I mean, look at Animal Crossing's price point for example. Not to mention that Animal Crossing also charges for DLC more often than not & Eric doesn't. If he isn't able to gain financial security from the games he produces, it will result in him not being able to continue developing amazing games and I for one don't want that.

[@afilmbyjair]

i feel like the chocolate shop aspect of the game is gonna have its own little impact and will reinvent the tycoon genre. we already have discounty on the way so i think both major aspects of the game are going to influence the masses

[@MRIZZY]

totally agree!!! 🫢

[@bleh329]

I hope so. We need more interest and innovation in that genre. I would love to see something where u manage a series of stores and have to deal w/ differences in locations and seasonal demand and holidays, etc.

[@pleasemyplants3447]

I love a spooky game, so I'm so so so excited for Haunted Chocolatier. But totally agree, I want Ape to take as much time as he needs to be happy with it. I'll be here waiting

[@rilstrup83]

He also deserves financial stability and needs to do more than just break even with his games. Each game he makes needs to be enough for him to more than just live while he works on his next game. He has talked about how he works 6 or 7 days a week while just barely making it despite the success of his game. He must charge more (although I worry he is the kind if person who won't) so that he can continue to create these amazing games.

[@ian_mcbride]

@@rilstrup83What are you talking about? He’s made millions and is chilling

[@bluishbuncake]

@@rilstrup83 bro he’s a millionaire 😭

[@rneumann7229]

I think Haunted Chocolatier will boost Stardew Valley sales as people who wouldn’t try it previously decide they love CA’s style and want to see what else he’s done

[@lauraholliday9343]

The haunted / cosy dichotomy is soooo lucrative in pop culture atm. Just think about the entire concept of like uncanny but comforting things like liminal spaces and the backrooms. 'Cozy' to a lot of people is even more effected when it is blended with elements of horror or the paranormal.

[@Wheeliam_Ironside]

Kinda like Graveyard Keeper! And that makes me even more excited for this game!

[@pinkmuffin9842]

I love it because ConcernedApe is probably pretty wealthy now. He has earned his money and if he doesn't live a lavish lifestyle, he doesn't need to rush his projects. He can afford to make free DLCs and updates for stardew because he wants to. Not all indie devs have that freedom, but I'm glad he does.

[@BigEasyH]

i guess i never realized it was a "game for girls" when as a dude who works construction i bought it when it first came out.... lol

[@bollocks42o]

A young 21 year old dude I met at the liquor store one day recommended it to me. Couple weeks later I saw him again, we were gushing about it and exchanged PSN - I don’t see him there anymore but we still chat about how excited we are about haunted chocolatier. 😂

[@jan_Masewin]

F**k gender norms amiright

[@Wheeliam_Ironside]

First i’d heard that too…i am a grown man and have played through stardew valley probably 3 times now overall

[@spajki001]

I never heard someone say that it was a "game for girls", but I slightly thought about it like that because majority of players are female. I can say after over 200h in 2 weeks that it is not that and is very addictive 😅.

[@TamsinGrlNxtDr]

There is no such thing as a "Girls game". You play what relaxes you don't listen to to anyone else.

[@pinkglase]

Yes, as a lover of Stardew Valley and cozy games, I find myself trying to find a game that will give me the same drive I had with Stardew. It's a long and painful road. There is no such game. I'm so ready for his new game and giving us something new to enjoy!

[@niaadienne9146]

You're lucky now Fields of Mistria is in early access on Steam

[@ilhatropical1]

I love stardew valley and Eric barone, i'll be waiting for haunted chocolatier for as long as it takes. Great video ❤

[@TheKyuuzu]

I stayed away from Stardew Valley for quite some time thinking that I won't enjoy it since I only play JRPG, Souls like, and MMORPG. Boy was I wrong. The moment I started playing Stardew, I put down all my other games and focused in SDV so much.

[@MickShmick]

I am so insanely excited for HC. I feel like no one does this genre like ConcernedApe

[@TheAlieann]

I cannot wait for this game, the vibes are just immaculate. I'm so hopeful for it.

[@QuesoCookies]

The shopkeeper concept of Haunted Chocolatier isn't all that original and already exists in cozy games such as Recettear, Moonlighter, Dave the Diver, and Potion Permit, most of which have dungeon diving and combat as their primary mechanic outside of the shopkeeping. So it's certainly not going to redefine the genre by any means. That said, there is certainly room for all those games to be improved upon and done right the way the farming sim games of the past were by Stardew Valley. I'm definitely looking forward to it and think it will be successful, but I don't think it's going to be as genre-defining as Stardew Valley. Stardew Valley took the incredibly niche genre of Harvest Moon to the masses. Haunted Chocolatier has lots of popular predecessors already.

[@GlitchedVision]

I would argue that cozy games can most certainly have some combat but combat/violence is never the primary gameplay focus. An example of this is that I would personally argue that No Man's Sky could, theoretically be a cozy game even though it is not directly categorized as one because the focus is on chill exploration and base building in a near infinite universe where there really is no end goal other than to do whatever you want.

[@HobzVHS]

Stardew Valley is relative stressful for me or at least compared to any other other genre game because of its day and night cycle. I’m always trying to get as much as done as possible before time runs out and running back to my farm before I pass out. Amazing game, I just haven’t gotten to the relaxing part, except for I think maybe when I first started. Now I’m on a heavy grind to get my farm automated 😂.

[@bookgeek7907]

I agree. I really enjoy the game except for the day / night cycle. I’m always rushing and watching the time instead of enjoying the gameplay. It probably wouldn’t be to bad if the time didn’t move so fast.

[@CeliriaRose]

@@bookgeek7907 So don’t try to do so much. I see this complaint over and over and it’s a self imposed problem. If you are having trouble doing everything, then it stands to reason you should cut back and don’t cram so much into the day. It’s not a race, there is no rush. The game is intentionally designed so that you can play at your own pace. So slow down and take your time and you won’t have to rush so much meanwhile all the different aspects of the game will still be there when you get around to them later on.

[@Wheeliam_Ironside]

I use the community center as my guide for what to do…as long as i get the seasonal stuff done there’s really nothing to rush about. Even if the days feel short you have 28 per season to get things done. I do understand feeling the clock regardless of how much time but i truly wouldn’t worry so much it’s absolutely meant to be relaxing

[@TamsinGrlNxtDr]

It's just like real life you have only so much time in the day so you have to pace yourself. Maybe Farmville would be better suited for you?

[@HobzVHS]

@@TamsinGrlNxtDr oh god no, I could never. I’m very picky when it comes to a good art style. I’m competitive by nature and will always will try to be as efficient as possible with my time at first, I’ll get the pacing down eventually when everything’s relatively automated.

[@_megacomputer]

you say Stardew is weird in its portrayal of country side farming, but as someone who had a bit of a city-to-homesteading arc recently there is actually a healthy amount of astral projecting with my crystal mommy neighbour, tripping on mysterious substances provided by the local wizard, and talking to animals in my garden. Very much farmer things.

[@torrenceeeeee4951]

“Bee Boss” goes so hard. I would love to see some Terraria elements in this game.

[@lautarof3187]

I really liked the aesthetic of the game when I first watched the trailer, I'm sure I will play it when it comes out.

[@pandybear4256]

I would recommend looking up Chef RPG ^^ Seems to also be very innovative next to haunted chocolatier

[@LexPlayy]

I've been excited for Haunted Chocolatier and this video is making me want it EVEN MORE. great info and analysis!

[@timmydilly]

My favorite cozy game is Graveyard Keeper, which has its own element to it but also you can see the inspiration from stardew valley

[@P3x774]

I personally can't wait for this game. I'm excited to see Concerned Ape's creativity expanded and I really like the feel so far for this game. First time viewer of your channel with this video! Loved it! Keep up the awesome job.

[@Cubezella]

Fall would be such a good time to launch it

[@MavonEast]

I am so excited for this game. It has taken years to make. Considering how careful Concerned Ape was with SDV it gives me great hope that Haunted Chocolatier will become my new obsession.

[@nopelahoma]

The gameplay with the gathering and fighting reminds me of Potion Permit. I'm excited for Haunted Chocolatier to be completed so I can play it!

[@Mukar]

You can't deny the similarities between Chef RPG and Haunted Chocolatier, but you CAN deny any intentionality behind those similarities. Chef RPG has public devlogs here on youtube dating back to August 2020...a full year before Haunted Chocolatier's announcement. Many of the things on display in the trailer were also shown in devlogs before HC's announcement so any similarities are purely coincidental. HC isn't THAT influential yet 😅

[@TheCosyGamer]

I'm streaming Stardew Valley at the moment to distract from the long and uncertain wait for Haunted Chocolatier, and playing through a ConcernedApe title again is just making me unbelievably excited for it to come out! Eeeeeee 😁

[@Gilsworth]

Just realized while watching this that this channel is a cozy youtube nook, a place to curl up, take a breath, and just bask in the comfort. Thanks for providing that energy along with all the good information and food for thought you provide! Peace from Iceland :)

[@furrythefox6285]

I read the thumbnail as "Hamster Chocolatier" and now I'm disappointed this game is not about a fuzzy hamster chocolatier that changes the world...

[@cerisemin]

Get to coding, you have to make this game now

[@Wheeliam_Ironside]

Second that! You can do it!

[@BudgieCute]

with the other replies, go for it!!

[@Wheeliam_Ironside]

@@furrythefox6285 come on OP…don’t disappoint all of us too🥺

[@Wheeliam_Ironside]

@@furrythefox6285 come on OP…don’t disappoint all of us too🥺

[@Whiskin87]

Can’t wait for more info and for the game itself. Until then, I’ll just keep adding to my 100s of hours in Stardew.

[@twinstickhero9920]

I am making a cozy "stardew valley similar game" but am struggling to make it wholly different and want to focus on something other than farming so this video really helped understand the genre from a different perspective thank you!

[@bleh329]

Y’know what I’d like in one of these in-development games, HC or not? Unexpected, real-world challenges related to owning/running a store. Like the power goes out or you have a bunch of product that’ll soon go bad. Or a delivery vehicle is delayed from pick-up. Stuff like that where need to plan for it happening or plan around it. Not too often, of course, that’d be annoying. But I don’t think I’ve seen anything like that in any of these games. Either as a random event or something story-related. If you know of anything like that, please tell me I’d love to check it out.

[@Trigger200284]

I would like to believe you but this game has literally been vaporware for almost 3 years.

[@bunnyellabell]

that's called being in development.... games don't take 2 weeks to make, especially quality ones. some take YEARS. concernedape tends to work quietly as mentioned in the video but he loves sharing tiny bits n pieces along the way. there's nothing sus about it?

[@Trigger200284]

@@bunnyellabell There is. “Tiny bits along the way” is a hilarious statement considering he’s been dark on it for 2.75 years.

[@Technilogica2019]

im insanely hyped for HC, my mom and i played undertale and animal crossing together and had a great time with it so im excited to see if it feels like a comfortable blend!!

[@coconutii]

The ice level mine ghosts are my favourite character designs in the game, ik they're annoying, but they're so cute and it's sad when they moan but i love the sound design for them. I wish there was sdv ghost plushies but i can't find any made. 👻 Anyway back to the subject... lol (sorry my autistic traits are really popping here). I'm excited for Haunted chocolatier, we all know it'll be a masterpiece if it's designed by THE Concerned Ape! 🤩

[@nikolaibredahl9433]

Haunted Chocolatier will be the first ever game I preorder

[@enicolas06]

Uhmmmm coral island doesn't Stick?? Excuse me...

[@EmJayGamer79]

Agreed. After sinking almost 1000 hours (and counting!) into Stardew over the years, Coral Island is the only similar game that has appealed to me nearly as much.

[@Jacobmelrose26]

I want ConcernedApe to take as long as he needs. This game is going to be so worth the wait! 🔥

[@dargin3687]

Love the vibe, great video! Can’t wait to see more about what ConcernedApe has been cooking up

[@megzz5960]

Haunted chocolatier gives me howls moving castle/ spirited away vibes too. It gives ghibli and I love

[@AktienMitKopf]

Stardew Valley is one of the best games ever created

[@squirrelsinmykoolaid]

You mentioned Chef RPG after you said "we're already seeing Haunted Chocolatier-esque games on the rise" and that makes it seem like Chef RPG is a copy of HC, which I don't think is fair. Correct me if I'm wrong but the developer of Chef RPG started working on the game in 2020, and HC wasn't announced until 2021 from what I can see.

[@AniDeMax]

Funny back then I used to prefer more of sports and fantasy action genre rather than cozy games but when I tried SDV years ago (I still do play it occasionally to this day) that is when I've fallen in love with the cozy gaming genre and bought a couple of cozy games like Coral Island, My Time at Portia and Spiritfarer, I never went back lol. Hopefully we will get the same SDV magic from ConcernedApe again!

[@redasunder9928]

I remember that Eric Barone said in an interview that Stardew has sold more than 20 million copies... that was years ago. As far as I know it´s now about 30 million and I am not sure if it is so easy to repeat that. But I am sure that his new game will be great and a lot of fun :) Great video by the way :)

[@Ghostly_Knight]

im pretty sure i bought Stardew day 1 and I'm probably going to buy Haunted Chocolatier day 1 as well. i would definitely like to see an update to the games development, a statement, a new trailer, or even something simple as a screenshot. Until the day something new on it comes out I will wait patiently for any update and to play the game someday. I am ready to sink hour and hours in to the game.

[@antoniedekoning9436]

Only thing aabout Chef RPG, since i've been following it since the creator started posting his progress on KZbin, is that it predates Haunted Chocolatier by a year or 2. It's more so that Chef RPG might have inspired ConcernedApe to reasses Stardew Valley

[@samiam858]

If you're looking for another cozy game to try while we wait for Haunted Chocolatier to drop: Traveller's Rest. It's still in early access, but it's not very buggy and is fairly fleshed-out. While there are a lot of similar aspects that can be found in Stardew, but the core of the game is for you to run and expand your own bar/ inn. There's less focus on farming crops (though you keep a small garden patch) and more focus on creating different meals/ drinks and providing good service. Only $13.50

[@EmyN]

This checks out, I have been seeing cozy games that has a service goal, as in you serve clients, you run a service of some kind, next step from farming I guess

[@khloegwen]

Sounds like this game will be similar to Recettear. I’m excited!

[@SuperMalik878]

Very well done and well edited video, kept me engaged!

[@alejandrolechon7068]

That mindset of never charging for extra content is quite honorable, especially in a job as hard, and long lasting as developing is. Btw this game looks awesome and your video is great🔥✨✨

[@v.4789]

stardew valley edging so well like people know you dedicated to ypur art like please take my money lol

[@rufust33333333333333]

He did say there might be farming, but not like Stardew Valley it’s a possibility also there might be animals too like Stardew Valley. It’s a possibility didn’t say it’s going to happen but it could.

[@cjblanch4133]

😊can’t wait! Hope it’s as good as it looks.

[@HobzVHS]

Stardew Valley has sold over 30 million over all its platforms, so I think will a difficult time surpassing or reaching that success. I’m not saying it’s not possible, I think it will depend on the marketing and the finish product (type of rpg) it becomes if it does or doesn’t appeal to the modern gamers. No doubt it will have a mass market because of its hype and indie game market but Since farming games have a wider appeal to the masses than alot indie rpgs. Either way this game is going to succeed since the majority of Stardew Fans will be picking it up immediately and it will be boosted to top of all the charts, and no doubt it will be a high quality treasure ❤.

[@luked2982]

This game looks good and I'll definitely play it, but if I'm being honest with myself I might have liked and possibly even preferred a sort of 'stardew valley 2' with a slightly larger town and more in-depth social mechanics (maybe you can share hobbies and spend more quality time with NPCs, more dialogue choices/consequences).

[@evalynn1863]

There are only 2 games that have really hooked my attention and gotten me to play through the night without even realizing it and they are Stardew Valley and Skyrim. I enjoy a lot of video game, I play a wide variety of them, but usually I'll play for a few hours then take breaks. Those are the only two that have made me completely forget the real world existed lol

[@AngelLynG]

I'm really excited about Haunted Chocolatier, but I’m a bit concerned about the combat mechanics. I never really enjoyed the combat in the Stardew Valley mines, and it seems like this game might have a similar gameplay style. On the bright side, I’m also looking forward to Trade Tales, it’s packed with innovative ideas that could really elevate the cozy game genre.

[@sgtducky312]

So stoked for is release

[@JakcBeck]

you should check out the grave seasons trailer by Blumhouse games. Looks like it could break the mold of the farming cozy game genre

[@katarzynamajewska5583]

Tale of the Shire isnt even out yet, what do you mean it not stick?

[@MRIZZY]

to clarify, i was more-so talking about how games of the same nature don’t stick - not necessarily those games specifically. I just named off a couple from the top of my head. :)

[@timboyoho]

I got the platinum trophy in Stardew on PS5 and I enjoyed every minute of it.

[@Km0577]

Sounds like a perfect game

[@rolaru3349]

It might require a childhood love and interest in the spooky but Graveyard Keeper is a very cozy game to me. I I look forward to this Haunted Chocolatier.

[@emmawells55]

I’m so excited but I also want him to take his time and do it right it’s gunna be a beautiful game

[@Tristan-gl8hp]

ConcernedApe has already had a huge impact on the industry, with Stardew Valley proving that an amazing game will sell itself, and millions of dollars don’t need to be spent to achieve triple-A level success. Hopefully another banger will encourage more talented indie developers to pour their hearts into their work and build something great.

[@the_sadistic_one]

it's relative for example, my cozy gaming is tryharding like no one else in a hyper competitive game like league of legends, that's what relaxes me

[@retroroller]

I’m so ready 🍫

[@Noblenonsense798]

Love your channel and I love your TikTok’s and I love Stardew Valley. I just started playing again and oh my gosh is it addictive? I really enjoy it. Can’t wait for haunted chocolater

[@Soloee_]

Stardew valley is NOT a cozy game without using a time mod, it's way too stressful imo

[@rindrr]

I'm so excited for Haunted Chocolatier, that and looking forward to Loftia I just KNOW I'll be busy !!

[@chrislee6194]

Another thing that makes a game cozy for me is not having time restrains, to finish quests or get things done etc

[@suzannemartin5984]

I would love to find it cozy. But I’m one of the dummy’s who cannot master fishing. Which makes me really sad since it was my favourite part of Animal Crossing. I’ve even bought SDV on two different consoles trying and trying lol. But I will definitely give Haunted Chocolatier a try when it’s released. I enjoy graveyard keeper so it’s not a matter of disliking the genre. I’ll keep battling my incompetence lol.

[@panoramicprism]

Cozy combat games let's goooo!

[@k.kayla.s]

I somehow got my bf to play sdv with me and now we’re both excited for haunted chocolatier ahh

[@harmonicaveronica]

I'm glad that the next game isn't trying to be like stardew valley, and I think that's also attributable to the single developer thing. Very often, the best stuff is made by someone who looks around, doesn't see what they want, and goes "dang it I'm going to have to make it myself aren't I?" So there's no point in doing something everyone's already doing and theres no point in re-doing ahay you've already done. It doesn't scratch that particular creative itch

[@datping7377]

I asked ChatGPT to remove the word ‘cozy’ in this video and it’s now 37 seconds long 😮

[@igniteous13]

not to mention the MANY mods that expand the world of stardew valley

[@CazzLacman]

so excited as someone who’s a sv fan and a horror rpg fan !!

[@spectator6656]

Seeing the trailer makes me think its going to be more skill based

[@T0FFII]

Idk man they havent updated us on the game in near 3 years.. I hope development is going well.

[@mpacino1224]

I will most definitely be getting Haunted Chocolatier.

[@AndyOlivera]

it will be funny if this game comes out before witchbrook but cant wait for those 2 games, specially CA's new masterpiece

[@CalebHicks87]

All we can do is wait in eager anticipation for more of a preview, and play stardew valley in the meantime. Liked and subscribed 😊

[@gloriasdaughter940]

I likely wont play it because I dont like pixel art games, despite how that seems to irk you. However, I will probably take glimpses of it through gameplay videos.

[@RileyLysss]

Cozy games are the only ones I play but ironically I've never played Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing. Neither of them ever caught my interest.

[@Guardian5985]

I don't think it will outshine Stardew Valley, but its initial sales will be much higher out the gate due to the known quality of development by the developer. It looks like it will take a farming simulator to a factory plant level. Maybe a hybrid between Moonlighter and Stardew Valley? It sounds very interesting and I will definitely be following this game with great interest.

[@Hellixie]

Oooooooooooh boy this will be huge Can´t wait for Haunted chocolatier. And for other game developers to turn on their fricking brain and see how much potentional they can have in their hands if they stopped making cash grabers and focused on passion. They say it´s risky. I say it´s only good way to make a game I will enjoy More original games are comin´ up like Boba quest or one game I have on wishlist I can´t remember name. 🤟

[@I3heart]

I’m so ready

[@rufust33333333333333]

I love the plushies you have 😁

[@unstillborn]

HC looks awesome but not crazy about the combate element. I feel it takes away from the coziness

[@terrykim2748]

Man, imagine Haunted Chocolatier with action rpg and music elements of Ragnarok Online… I’d lose so many hours of my sleep…

[@legion999]

I feel like calling all these other games "cash grabby and rushed" is unfair. Yeah they don't have Stardew's staying power but most of these (indie) games are solid and definitely not rushed, I think theyve been making Roots of Pacha since before the pandemic.

[@hschwartz9277]

I love Stardew Valley but I also consider Skyrim to be a cozy game (and it is...violent lol).

[@adminjamie]

has any mention when will the game releasing in all platforms

[@melissapragit3624]

What is the haunted chocolatier

[@itchyt2997]

Is it going to be stardew valley 3

[@pepperthekid]

hi, can someone name all of the games mentioned in the video?

[@MediaRecapsLLC]

WickedPawn is the future!

[@SixPathstoPain]

IF STARDEW VALLEY IS A GIRLS GAME THEN I GUESS IM TRANSGENDER.