In this enlightening conversation, Jaeho Hwang, the game director behind the hit indie game Dave the Diver, shares his journey from Seoul to global acclaim. He discusses how personal experiences and a love for Japanese RPGs inspired the game. Jaeho reveals the importance of balancing user feedback with creative vision and the unique blend of humor and accessibility that makes Dave the Diver so beloved. Aspiring developers will appreciate his insights on starting small and embracing feedback to connect with players.
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Learning Japanese Through Games
Jaeho Hwang learned Japanese by playing Super Nintendo with Japanese children.
This experience ignited his passion for game development, showcasing the power of games to connect people.
question_answer ANECDOTE
JRPG Influence
Jaeho Hwang's love for JRPGs, like Sea of Stars, shaped his game design preferences.
He appreciates how pixel art stimulates imagination.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Visual Appeal
Working in the US, Jaeho Hwang realized the importance of visuals in game design.
Western testers disliked the look of some Korean games, leading him to consider universally appealing styles like pixel art.
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From over 4 million copies sold to its overwhelming positive response on Steam, Dave the Diver has captured hearts globally with its unique blend of exploration, humor, and RPG elements. In this insightful interview, we sit down with Jaeho Hwang, the game director behind Dave the Diver, one of 2023's most celebrated indie games. Jaeho shares the journey of creating this underwater adventure, inspired by his experiences in Jeju Island and love for Japanese RPGs.
Jaeho opens up about his experiences as a Korean game developer creating for a global audience, from his early days learning Japanese through video games to navigating creative decisions as a startup founder. He also shares valuable insights on team-building, cultural differences in game design, and the importance of balancing user feedback with creative vision. Whether you're a fan of the game or an aspiring developer, this conversation is filled with lessons on humility, innovation, and the art of creating memorable games.
Key Highlights:
Jaeho’s early influences: Growing up with Japanese games, learning the power of storytelling, and making friends through gaming.
Building Dave the Diver: Drawing from real-life experiences, refining through user feedback, and the creative risks involved.
Design Philosophy: How simplicity, humor, and accessible visuals made Dave the Diver universally appealing.
Advice for Aspiring Developers: Start small, be open to feedback, and always stay connected to what players want.
Join us to hear how Jaeho and his team turned a love for the ocean and RPGs into an indie gaming phenomenon, proving that anyone can create something impactful with the right approach and dedication.
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