The Genesis of Dave the Diver and the Perfect Development Team

In this episode of the Game Maker's Notebook, Mint Rocket Game Director J. Ho Huang and game designer Nolan King discuss the origins of their breakthrough hit, Dave the Diver. They talk about the initial idea for the game, inspired by J. Ho's childhood book on underwater environments. They also share their love for games like Metal Gear Solid and Yakuza, which influenced the game's design. The team explains how they merged different genres, such as diving RPG, sushi restaurant management, and adventure storytelling, into a cohesive and balanced experience. They highlight the importance of the game's sound design, especially in creating the muffled underwater atmosphere. Despite challenges, they successfully combined 2D and 3D elements, allowing fish and characters to coexist within the same world.