Concerned Ape

The creator of Stardew Valley is not worried about the game’s future, but he does not rule out the possibility of a sequel

For now, everything is on track for Haunted Chocolatier.

Update: May 9th, 2025 01:46 CEST

Since its launch, Stardew Valley has become a global phenomenon and one of the most popular cozy games. Created by Eric Barone, also known as ConcernedApe, this rural life simulator has captivated millions of players thanks to its charm, depth, and constant addition of content. Over the years, the game has evolved from a simple farm management experience to include exploration, combat, and new stories within Pelican Town. But despite this growth, will a sequel be released? Barone has discussed the possibility.

The Possible Future of Stardew Valley

During his recent appearance on the TigerBelly podcast (via Nintendo Life), Eric Barone addressed this very question. While leaving a small door open, his answer reveals the realities of his creative and development process. According to Barone, he “might eventually make a Stardew Valley 2,” but practical reality leads him to think otherwise.

“It’s just so much easier to just add more stuff to Stardew Valley than to make a whole new game from scratch,” he explained. “The major systems are already all done. That’s the stuff that’s not fun to do. When I make an update, it’s like, you know — ‘oh, throw in this, throw in that. Let’s add green rain.’”

Beyond the farms

Barone mentioned another important factor: his desire to not be seen as the “Stardew Valley guy” forever. His desire to explore new ideas and mechanics is the main reason he is currently working on Haunted Chocolatier, a project that moves away from farm life and focuses on running a chocolate store with an element of mystery. It differs significantly from Stardew Valley.