The Indie Game That Wasn't ~ Dave The Diver Controversy

In 2023, "Dave the Diver" was nominated for "Best Independent Game" at the Game Awards. "Dave the Diver" is a game developed by MINTROCKER, a subsidiary of Nexon, a major South Korean Publisher. And that, sparked a whole ass debate, since it has ties to a large publisher, is it really an indie game?
I be real, the game does look like an indie game, its 2D-pixel art settings scream INDIE GAME! That's, like, indie game 101. But that is, unfortunately, not the definition of an indie game. Critics argue that it was developed by a subsidiary of a large publisher, so the 2D-pixel art, it doesn't matter, the graphics could be 1D-pixel art and it still wouldn't be an indie game!
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[@IAmTheEagleHTM]

Honestly, I wouldn't classify it as indie either, because like you pointed out, being a subsidiary of a big company or even being backed by it already makes it not indie. Dave the Diver being indie would make as much sense as Death Stranding being indie. They better fix that for the next game awards, because I can see some companies using their tricks to win indie awards as well. Good video, partner.

[@JAQREL]

thank you my friend. yup, it's a pity the publishers did this for a good game.

[@stahliboi6249]

Honestly, as long as we get games with that art style and quality, i don't really care where it comes from.

[@JAQREL]

same