Haunted Chocolatierhas been quiet lately, but with the end of the year in sight, developer ConcernedApe could end on a high note. His success withStardew Valleyshows that his games stand out, but he may want to take a different advertising approach withHaunted Chocolatier.
What people may forget aboutStardew Valleyis that, in its early days, it had very little following. As a solo developer’s first game, there were no spaces that were fit to properly advertise the game, instead being spread through word of mouth around the internet. But what started as a first-time indie game thrown into the void has now become one of thebest farming games of all time. This places ConcernedApe in a drastically different place in his career now, as he works on his next game,Haunted Chocolatier. Not much news has come out about the follow-up lately, but if ConcernedApe chooses to leverage his now robust fanbase by showcasing new information, he could end 2024 on a true high note for his fans.
Stardew Valley’s Success Should Influence Haunted Chocolatier’s Future
BecauseStardew Valleywas created by a complete unknown in the world of indie game development, it was easy to overlook in the early days. It wasn’t until the game blew up on streaming that it began to see more success. This is what led toStardew Valleybecoming one of theindie gaming world’s biggest success stories. But that type of advertising strategy might not work withHaunted Chocolatier. While the game will, hopefully, be just as magical in the eyes of players, the X factor of coming from someone they don’t know is gone now. So, ConcernedApe doesn’t have his anonymity to rely on, but he does have his previous success that he can learn from.
What Haunted Chocolatier Drastically Needs
The best way forHaunted Chocolatierto find an audience is by embracing its similarities toStardew Valley. While the game does seem to have a different tone, and is said to be more combat focused thanStardew Valley, the two share plenty of DNA. It’s obvious by the art style, genre, and, of course, the same solo developer, that the two are related. There hasn’t been any attempt to hide that fact, but reassuring existing players that the experience they love can still be found in the new game can help ensure player loyalty. The other way to keep existing players on board is toreleaseHaunted Chocolatieron PC, consoles, and mobile simultaneously, in order to avoid alienating any of the major markets.
After securing the existing fan base, it’s then time to advertise to the new players.Stardew Valleyis great, but may not be for everyone. For players out there who prefer city life, combat, and a more somber tone, this is their game. WhileStardew Valleywas talked about mainly inHarvest Mooncommunities, due to that game’s large influence, ConcernedApe should look to different communities that might be excited about the differing style he’s going for in his new game.Haunted Chocolatierneeds a different identity thanStardew Valley, so while that shared DNA may be an asset, it can’t be the only way to bring players on board.
“ConcernedApe doesn’t have his anonymity to rely on, but he does have his previous success that he can learn from.”
Finally, the most important part of advertising, and making a game stand out, is to show players what they’re in for.Haunted Chocolatier’s initial gameplay trailerwas released in 2021, but fans haven’t heard much news since. WithStardew Valley’s 1.6 update renewing its player base earlier this year, now is a better time than any for ConcernedApe to show players what he’s been working on all this time. A release date hasn’t even been hinted at, so there’s likely still loads of work to be done beforeHaunted Chocolatieris ready to release, but updating fans with a new trailer or showcase could keep it top of mind for them well into the new year.
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.
