Dave the Diver is a modest game that has expanded like Dave’s belt size. The underwater adventure and restaurant management sim mash-up was a surprise hit, and has since spawned crossover efforts with fishing game Dredge, the kaiju Godzilla, and even Ichiban Kasuga of the Like A Dragon series. Now the game is preparing to dive back in with the In The Jungle expansion in early 2026. The DLC will see Dave and his crew heading to a new freshwater biome and catching lake-dwelling creatures to make their dishes. GameSpot spoke with Mintrocket CEO and Dave the Diver game director Jaeho Hwang about the upcoming expansion, how the studio has responded to the game’s success, and the delicious research that goes into making a game all about food.
GameSpot: What was the genesis of the “In the Jungle” concept? What was the team trying to achieve with this new biome?
Jaeho Hwang: In Dave the Diver, we felt we had done a fair job showcasing the mystique of the ocean, so we wanted to explore a completely different world this time.
This post highlights an interesting blend of gameplay elements! It’s great to see how “Dave The Diver” is evolving with new content. Looking forward to seeing how these additions enhance the overall experience.
Absolutely! The combination of underwater exploration with elements reminiscent of Animal Crossing really adds a unique charm to the gameplay. It’s fascinating how these different mechanics can enhance player engagement and create a more immersive experience.