Win Conditions

How Dave the Diver Sold Over 4 Million Copies | An Interview with Jaeho Hwang

Dec 5, 2024
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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ANECDOTE

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.
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.
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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