Earlier this year, I found myself playing Another Crab’s Treasure in the most unlikely of settings. Picture this: sitting on the side of a street in LA, post-Day of the Devs event, with the sun throwing a glare on my laptop screen and its battery about to die. Next to me was Nick, the head of the studio, casually observing as I, struggling with a hangover, fumbled through his team’s game. As I awkwardly stumbled my way through the tutorial, eventually diving into the ocean to kick off the real adventure, Nick quietly muttered “interesting”—likely marveling at the sheer amount of time it took me to get started. Needless to say, it was a tad embarrassing.
Despite that awkward start, Another Crab’s Treasure turns out to be one of the standout gaming experiences of the year for me. Among a sea of indie gems, daring mid-tier releases, massive triple-A productions, and the occasional laugh-inducing over-the-top quadruple-A, this quirky crab adventure distinguished itself. It exemplifies excellent game development—an absolute must-play that I’ve been enthusiastically recommending to everyone within reach. It’s truly a standout title of 2024.
Created by Aggro Crab, a spirited studio that seems to have a perpetual streak of office break-ins, this game emerged from a team largely composed of newcomers to the gaming scene. They released Another Crab’s Treasure in April to significant acclaim, and as of November 1st, it has impressively sold over 500,000 copies—not bad at all for an indie effort! It’s snagged several awards and injects much-needed joy and color into a subgenre often overshadowed by darkness and despair, all while delivering an important underlying message.
What sets Another Crab’s Treasure apart is the team’s ultra-modern approach to both game and community management. Recognizing the potential they had on their hands, Aggro Crab did more than just launch the game; they skillfully engaged with the community, seizing every chance to create memes and build connections. They deftly navigated the current social media ecosystem, collaborating with influencers to amplify their reach without overshadowing the game itself. Their young talent shone through, presenting fresh spins on genre norms and bringing a vibrant energy to the game’s atmosphere. Oh, and let’s not forget the killer original soundtrack—kudos to Felix for that!
But even as Aggro Crab seems to be nailing everything, they’re not immune to the challenges of 2024’s tough industry climate. Just as team members were receiving Golden Joystick Awards, they announced in early November that funding for their next game had fallen through. It’s a stark reminder that while they’re celebrated by their peers, the financial realities of the industry are another story.
Calling this situation a “bummer” barely scratches the surface. If a studio like Aggro Crab, creating phenomenal games like Another Crab’s Treasure, can’t secure financial stability, it speaks volumes about the industry’s current issues. Yet, their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. With any luck, the onset of the new year will see corporate wallets open up as executives scout for talent worth investing in, recognizing this as the unique opportunity it truly is.
As for those of you looking to play, the adventure isn’t over yet! A new game plus mode, a boss rush, and some other exciting updates are on the horizon. So dive in and grab it—it’s a fantastic game crafted by a passionate team who undoubtedly appreciates your support.
