Earlier this year, I found myself crouched on a Los Angeles street, hunched over a laptop whose battery was about to die. It was Day of the Devs, and I was getting my first taste of Another Crab’s Treasure. The sun blazed down on the screen as Nick, the head of the studio, sat nearby, watching with quiet patience. He seemed amused as I bumbled through the tutorial, perhaps impressed by how long it took me to figure out jumping into the ocean was my starting point. I must admit, it was my most embarrassing gaming moment this year.
But despite the flood of indie standouts, bold double-A releases, sprawling triple-A titles, and even some amusing quadruple-A games this year, it was this endearing crab adventure that captured my heart. It’s a shining example of excellent game development, and one I’ve eagerly told everyone about since. Another Crab’s Treasure, in my opinion, is a true treasure of 2024.
Aggro Crab, the creative force behind the game, is a studio formed by a talented group of newcomers to the gaming world, though their office seems to be perpetually jinxed by break-ins. Launching Another Crab’s Treasure in April, they met considerable success. By November, the game sold over 500,000 copies—impressive numbers for an indie title—and garnered numerous accolades. It’s an absolute joy to play, bringing a vibrant and fun twist to a genre too often weighed down by gloom, all while delivering a significant message.
One of the key strengths of Another Crab’s Treasure lies in its team’s approach to managing both game development and community interaction. Recognizing that they had something special, the developers didn’t simply release the game and walk away. They excelled at engaging with the community, seizing every opportunity to create memes and build connections, clearly understanding today’s social media dynamics. Collaborations with influencers were smartly managed, generating buzz without overshadowing the game itself. The team’s youthful energy and fresh perspectives shone brightly, infusing the game with innovative spins on genre norms. Plus, it has an incredible original soundtrack—kudos to Felix for that.
Yet, even as Aggro Crab seems to tick all the right boxes, they’re not immune to the tough climate of 2024’s gaming industry. At the beginning of November, they announced that funding for their next project had fallen through. While team members were receiving Golden Joystick Awards, the financial wheels behind the scenes ground to a halt.
Calling this situation a disappointment is a massive understatement. If a game like Another Crab’s Treasure can’t secure a team’s future, it underscores the grim realities of the industry. Nevertheless, the game’s achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. Let’s cross our fingers and hope that when budget discussions happen in January, studios will be savvy enough to recognize a great investment when they see one.
In the meantime, there’s more in store for the players! A new game plus mode, a boss rush mode, and other exciting updates are on the horizon. So, if you haven’t yet, dive into this incredible game—crafted with care by people who would truly appreciate your support.
