Earlier this year, in the bustling streets just behind the Day of the Devs event in LA, I found myself squinting at a laptop screen under the intense sunlight, rapidly draining its battery life. Seated next to me was Nick, the head of the studio, patiently observing as I, still reeling from the night before, attempted to find my way through his team’s game. As I fumbled through the tutorial, hearing a quiet “interesting” from Nick, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed at how long it took me to dive into the ocean and actually kick off the game. It remains one of my most cringeworthy moments of the year.
Despite the myriad of games released this year—from indie gems to bold double-A titles and blockbuster triple-As, with the occasional extravagant quadruple-A—this unique crab-themed adventure captivated me like no other. It perfectly exemplifies stellar game development, earning itself a spot on my must-recommend list for everyone I come across. Another Crab’s Treasure truly shines and is a standout treasure in 2024’s gaming lineup.
Aggro Crab, the brains behind this game, seems eternally plagued by office break-ins but has an eclectic team brimming with fresh faces to the game development scene. This youthful group of creators introduced Another Crab’s Treasure in April, met with a warm reception. By the time of writing, its sales had surpassed 500,000 copies as of November 1, an impressive feat for an indie game. It’s also clinched numerous accolades. But beyond just numbers, the game injects a lively and vibrant flair into a subgenre often overshadowed by bleakness, all while conveying an important message.
What truly sets Another Crab’s Treasure apart is the team’s thoroughly modern approach to managing both game and community. Aware they had crafted something special, they didn’t simply launch it and hope for the best. Instead, they engaged in superb community management, seizing every tiny opportunity to create memes and connect meaningfully, showcasing their savvy grasp of today’s social media landscape. Their collaboration with influencers was strategic, generating buzz without overwhelming the game’s intent. The team’s youthful ingenuity shines brightly through their innovative spins on genre norms and the energetic vibe of the game. Plus, it features an amazing original soundtrack—kudos to Felix for that.
Yet, despite Aggro Crab seemingly hitting all the right notes, they’re not immune to the challenging headwinds of 2024 and the current industry climate. Early in November, they revealed their third game’s funding had fallen apart. This meant that while team members were accepting Golden Joystick Awards and being celebrated by their peers, the financial mechanisms of the industry stood still.
Describing this as a “bummer” doesn’t quite capture the disappointment. If an industry can’t support teams like Aggro Crab or ensure games like Another Crab’s Treasure provide security, it’s a clear signal of deeper issues. Nonetheless, their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed! Let’s hope that when January arrives, and those corporate budgets are being decided, some savvy investors recognize a great opportunity and invest in them.
For players, the excitement isn’t over! The game is set to receive a new game plus mode, a boss rush mode, and additional surprises. So, if you haven’t already, give it a go! It’s a remarkable game that deserves your attention, crafted by a team who will definitely appreciate your support.
