Record global sales milestone
Dave the Diver surpasses 10 million copies sold worldwide across multiple gaming platforms
Anonymous
Key Points
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DAVE THE DIVER won the Game Design category at the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards, adding major critical recognition to its commercial success.
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The game first launched in Steam Early Access in October 2022, before its official release in 2023 and subsequent expansion to consoles.
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Nexon said the franchise has expanded beyond games through a manga serialization in Japan’s CoroCoro Comic, official soundtrack releases and branded merchandise.
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The mobile edition debuted in China in February 2026, reaching more than 1 million units sold by June, ahead of its global mobile launch.
PC Gamer reports that Mintrocket's Dave the Diver has sold over 10 million copies across all platforms worldwide. The indie deep-sea exploration and restaurant management hybrid became the first Korean-developed single-player packaged game to reach this milestone. The game blends daytime diving in the Blue Hole with nighttime sushi-restaurant management, and has expanded from PC to PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox since its 2023 official release.
To celebrate, Mintrocket gave employees commemorative gold cards and held a sushi-themed party, with an Okinawa workshop planned for late October. Head Topics notes that the In the Jungle expansion has already surpassed 1 million copies sold since its June release. A global mobile version launches September 17 on Apple App Store and Google Play with touch and tilt controls.
From Indie Hit to Industry Milestone
Dave the Diver launched in Steam Early Access in October 2022 before its full 2023 release. PC Gamer called it an "out-of-nowhere hit" that defied expectations for a small indie title. The game's unique blend of relaxing fishing and high-stakes restaurant management struck a chord with players globally, steadily climbing sales ranks across every platform it reached.
The 10-million milestone places Dave the Diver in rare company—few indie games reach that scale. Geek Culture notes this achievement followed strategic console launches after the game's PC breakthrough. Mintrocket's decision to expand beyond Steam proved crucial, unlocking new audiences on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox.
Award Recognition Boosts Credibility Worldwide
Dave the Diver won the Game Design category at the 2024 BAFTA Games Awards, cementing its status as more than a commercial success. The award added major critical validation to its already impressive sales numbers. BAFTA's recognition helped introduce the game to audiences who might have dismissed it as a niche indie title, broadening its appeal across mainstream gaming circles.
Franchise Expansion Beyond Gaming
Dave the Diver has grown far beyond its original game form. Head Topics reports that Nexon has expanded the franchise through manga serialization in Japan's CoroCoro Comic, official soundtrack releases, and branded merchandise. These licensing deals tap into gaming's loyal fanbase while introducing Dave to new audiences through traditional media and collectibles.
The game also spawned high-profile collaborations with major franchises including Godzilla, Like a Dragon, and DREDGE. These crossovers kept Dave the Diver fresh and drove repeat engagement from existing players. Strategic partnerships introduced the game to fans of other beloved properties.
Mobile Launch Positions Game for Even Bigger Growth
Dave the Diver's mobile version debuts globally on September 17 with custom touch and tilt controls optimized for phones. The China mobile launch already exceeded 1 million units by June 2026, signaling massive demand in Asia's gaming market. Head Topics suggests the global mobile release will unlock entire new player bases who prefer gaming on smartphones over consoles or PC.
The In the Jungle expansion topped 1 million copies sold in just 10 days after its June release. This rapid adoption shows the core fanbase remains highly engaged. Mobile accessibility combined with proven expansion content positions Dave the Diver for explosive growth beyond its current 10 million baseline.
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