'Dave the Diver' Surpasses 10 Million Units; Mobile Version Also a Hit

A Structure Without Additional Microtransactions

Faithfully Preserving the Original Gameplay Experience

'Dave the Diver,' the first single-player package game in South Korea to surpass a cumulative sales milestone of 10 million copies, is now targeting the global market with its mobile version. By adopting a paid package business model (BM) that eliminates 'gacha' (probability-based items) fatigue, it is attracting users who are weary of the endless spending encouraged by microtransactions.

'Dave the Diver' key image. Provided by Nexon

According to Mobile Index on September 18, the hybrid ocean adventure game 'Dave the Diver' topped the paid game revenue chart on the Google Play Store just one day after its launch. On the Apple App Store (where a demo version is available and free games are ranked), it is currently ranked No. 1 in downloads.

Developed by Mintrocket, a subsidiary of Nexon, the game offers a unique blend of exploration, collection, and management: during the day, players collect marine life from the sea, while at night, they run a sushi restaurant using the collected ingredients. Since its release in 2023, it has enjoyed steady popularity. The downloadable content (DLC) 'In the Jungle,' released last June, sold 1 million copies in just over two months.

The game was first launched on PC and gradually expanded to PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch consoles. The mobile version was launched first in China earlier this year. It features control schemes optimized for the mobile environment, such as touch and tilt, allowing players to enjoy the original experience seamlessly on mobile devices.

The business model focusing on content is also noteworthy. After downloading, users can access the entire game's content with a one-time in-app purchase of $9.99 (17,000 won in Korea), mirroring the structure found in PC and console package games. After this purchase, in-game progression—such as strengthening weapons or running the sushi restaurant—is only possible by earning resources through gameplay. There are no advertising banners that force users to watch ads under the pretense of charging hearts or continuing the game.

This is in line with the recent rise of premium package games in the global mobile market, distinguishing itself from traditional mass-produced mobile games that drive in-app purchases during the character progression process. For example, “Stardew Valley”—a farming healing game—and the strategy title “Slay the Spire” became long-running hits on smartphones after first proving their gameplay value on PC and console, all without additional microtransactions.

According to global data analytics firm Appmagic, the number of premium games released in the global mobile market last year surged by 77% compared to the previous year. Mobile versions of hit PC and console titles saw their revenues increase from about $7 million in 2022 to around $15 million last year. This demonstrates that users, fatigued by relentless monetization tactics, are now turning to games they can fully own for a fair price. Appmagic evaluated that there is significant growth potential for high-quality paid mobile games.

Until the end of this month, 'Dave the Diver' will be available at a discounted price on each app marketplace. Players can also access the fishing adventure game 'Dredge' collaboration content and 'In the Jungle' from day one. Mintrocket plans to release new information early next month.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.