"Dave the Diver": A Joyful Diving Adventure with a Dash of Controversy
"Dave the Diver," released on June 28, 2023, has delighted the gaming world with its unique gameplay. Players take on the role of a diver who battles sea monsters to ensure the supply of a sushi restaurant. Despite its praise, however, there is a heated debate about whether "Dave the Diver" should be considered an indie game.
The controversy arose after the game was nominated in the "Best Independent Game" category at the Game Awards 2023. Many have argued that "Dave the Diver," despite its creative premise and charming aesthetics, should not be considered an indie game due to its connection to Nexon, a major game development studio.
Is "Dave the Diver" Really an Indie Game?
The question of whether "Dave the Diver" should be considered an indie game is complicated. It was developed and published by Nexon, a well-known developer and publisher of major titles. However, "Dave the Diver" was attributed to a smaller team called Mintrocket, which is fully owned by Nexon. This blurs the line of what is defined as an indie game.
What Makes an Indie Game?
The definition of "indie games" has become less clear in recent years. An indie game is typically created by a small team or an individual and is not owned or supported financially by a large studio. But with "Dave the Diver," this definition seems to be challenged.
Why the Nomination of Dave The Diver Matters
The nomination of "Dave the Diver" for Best Indie Game raises important questions about the fairness of the Game Awards. It has the potential to reach a wider audience and displace other deserving indie games from the nomination pool of the category.
But aside from the controversy, "Dave the Diver" definitely deserves recognition for its creative gameplay and charming aesthetics. If you're interested in giving it a try, you can secure a Steam Key on our website.
What Can Be Done?
It's too late and too harsh to withdraw the nomination of "Dave the Diver." But in the coming years, it would make sense to introduce stricter qualification criteria for the Best Independent Game award. Perhaps a new category called "Best AA Game" could be introduced to honor games with a small budget that still have significant studio support.
Regardless of the controversy, "Dave the Diver" remains a remarkable game that is worth a try. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next diver fighting sea monsters and securing sushi deliveries!
