I know many people are excited to play Haunted Chocolatier, and may be disappointed to hear that it will still take a while, or that I took time away to work on Stardew Valley. I understand. I will be very happy when the day comes that I can finally release Haunted Chocolatier. However, as with Stardew Valley, I will not be doing any “early access”, crowdfunding, or pre-orders, so I don’t feel a ton of external pressure to finish the game on a timeline.

Bless you ape, take as long as you need. Quality takes time and you have long past proven you capabilities as a dev.

Although maybe don't do white text next time? That was difficult to read. Edit: Ignore me, I'm dumb.

Just glad to know it's still kicking around. Ape managed to kickstart an entire generation of cozy games, while remaining the best among them. As long as its still cooking, I'm sure it'll be great when it comes out.

I can't believe how much new stuff is in Stardew Valley since I last played. I thought the game was complete already

I can’t think of a more acceptable reason for a development delay for a consumer than “I was busy making free content updates to my existing game”.

This is the kind of update and transparency I needed to see. I was one of those that were disappointed at seeing stardew get more and more updates, seemingly putting HC on the shelf. But I understand his reasons and the urges/duty that brought them about.

Looking forward to this game but I also, like others, don't need it rushed out. I just wanted to know that it was actually still being worked on and not cancelled quietly. Him talking about his attachment to the world and characters has definitely got me more excited, as that will likely give it the same charm as stardew seeing his heart seems to be in it the same way.

I am placated.

I think it's very mature of him to know how he works best, and not to try and compromise on that.

Can't wait to see Haunted Chocolatier.

I remember when he said he wouldn’t make another game from scratch (game engine) and here he is again.