Director Hwang Jae-ho of "Dave the Diver" has clarified the controversy surrounding the game's nomination for Best Indie Game at The Game Awards 2023, stating that Mintrocket, the game's developer, is not an indie studio. Instead, it is a division of Nexon, a major South Korean publisher. While the game has unique art styles and was developed by a smaller team, it ultimately lost the award to "Sea of Stars." Hwang pointed out that the confusion might arise from the team's size and the game's distinctiveness. The nomination process was handled by a jury of international media outlets, leading to debates about what constitutes an independent game. "Dave the Diver" continues to receive accolades and updates, although the release of its Godzilla-themed DLC has been postponed.

nIs "Dave the Diver" considered an indie game?

No, "Dave the Diver" is not considered an indie game as it is developed by Mintrocket, a subsidiary of the larger company Nexon. The classification is complicated by factors like team size and game style, leading to some misunderstandings.

"Dave the Diver" has gained popularity for its unique blend of fishing and management gameplay, combining exploration with resource management. Since its release in 2022, it has received widespread acclaim, highlighting the potential of indie-style games produced by larger studios. The game's upcoming DLC featuring Godzilla has fans eagerly awaiting new content, showing that even a game with a major studio backing can retain an indie spirit through its innovative design and gameplay.