MINTROCKET, Nexon's independent studio, is preparing the September 17 mobile release of Dave the Diver, which has sold 9 million units, and is developing the prequel spin-off Bancho the Chef for PlayStation 5.
MINTROCKET, the independent studio under Nexon, is best known for Dave the Diver, a game that mixes deep-sea fishing by day with sushi restaurant management at night. The studio announced at the June 2026 State of Play broadcast a prequel spin-off titled Bancho the Chef, a simulation game following a young Bancho as he travels across Asia to become a top sushi chef. The reveal trailer showed Bancho cooking and washing dishes at the Japanese eatery Obata Shokudo, as well as exterminating bugs. The game is in development for PlayStation 5, with no release date given but a wishlist option available.
In August 2026, MINTROCKET CEO Jaeho Hwang spoke at CGDC 2026, revealing that Dave the Diver has reached cumulative sales of 9 million units across mobile, console, and PC. He also detailed the design philosophy behind protagonist Dave, explaining that the character was deliberately shaped as a plain, relatable hero surrounded by strong personalities, a choice he credits with keeping the character memorable. He addressed a common misconception that the game is based on a true story, and explained how supporting characters were built to complement Dave's personality.
Later that month, Nexon announced that the Android and iOS versions of Dave the Diver will launch on September 17. The mobile version is optimized for play on phones and will be free with in-app purchases. DLC packs including DREDGE and In the Jungle are available as well.
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Nexon will release the Android and iOS versions of DAVE THE DIVER on September 17. The ocean adventure, developed by its independent studio MINTROCKET, will be free with in-app purchases. The game mixes deep-sea fishing by day with sushi restaurant management at night. The mobile version is optimized for play on phones, and DLC packs including DREDGE and In the Jungle are available as well.
At CGDC 2026, MINTROCKET CEO Jaeho Hwang reviewed the three years since Dave the Diver's release, revealing cumulative sales of 9 million units across mobile, console, and PC. He explained the design philosophy behind protagonist Dave, addressed a common misconception about the game being based on a true story, and detailed how supporting characters were built to complement Dave's personality.
MINTROCKET announced "Bancho the Chef," a prequel spin-off to "Dave the Diver," during Sony Interactive Entertainment's State of Play broadcast on June 3, 2026. The simulation game follows a young Bancho as he travels across Asia to become a top sushi chef. The reveal trailer showed Bancho cooking and washing dishes at the Japanese eatery Obata Shokudo, as well as exterminating bugs. The game is in development for PlayStation 5. No release date was given, but a wishlist option is available. The announcement was part of the June 2, 2026 State of Play livestream.