Dave the Diver has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing five million sales globally. This accomplishment reflects its status as one of 2023’s standout games, largely due to its distinctive gameplay loop that has resonated with countless players.
This game is all about the intriguing dual roles you take on: managing a sushi restaurant while diving for fresh ingredients. By day, you’re deep-sea diving to collect the freshest catches, and by night, you’re busy running the restaurant. When it hit the market in 2023, it was met with glowing reviews and garnered numerous nominations, including at prestigious events like The Game Awards and the Golden Joystick Awards. Surprisingly, even those behind the game, including its director, were taken aback by its viral success, especially given that it was the first project from Mintrocket.
Announcing this impressive milestone of five million sales, the creators expressed their gratitude to the supportive gaming community. In a year brimming with exceptional releases, Dave the Diver has managed to maintain its distinct presence into late 2024. Mintrocket also teased that while they have no specific announcements at the moment, they are dedicated to bringing more exhilarating content to the game’s fans.
Looking ahead, fans of Dave the Diver can expect exciting developments. Creator Jaeho Hwang has plans to broaden the game’s universe, focusing on different characters and exploring various genres. Given the original’s unique appeal, Hwang has earned the trust of the gaming community to deliver fresh and innovative experiences, making future releases something to look forward to.
Though a direct sequel hasn’t been announced, players can still enjoy current collaborations within Dave the Diver. It’s a bit of a bummer that the free Godzilla DLC was recently taken down, but plenty of new content remains to explore. For instance, the recent update, Dave and Friends, introduced the Balatro collaboration, which lets players engage in a card game set beneath the sea. Additionally, there’s content featuring collaborations with singer mxmtoon and the indie game Potion Craft.
Dive headfirst into this singular adventure, split between the demands of deep-sea exploration by day and sushi restaurant management by night. The game invites you into the ever-shifting depths of the Blue Hole, tasking you to hunt for seafood using a harpoon and various other tools. As you accrue resources and profits, you can upgrade your gear, braving the unknown dangers that await. Be mindful of your oxygen levels, though—a shortage means having to leave your hard-earned catches behind!
Officially released on June 28, 2023, Dave the Diver was developed and published by Mintrocket, built using the Unity engine. It holds an ESRB rating of E10+ due to fantasy violence, mild blood, and alcohol use, with a general playtime of approximately 23 hours. For PlayStation users, it’s available on PS Plus Extra and Premium, with critical acclaim leading to a “Mighty” OpenCritic rating.
