Earlier this year, I found myself playing Another Crab’s Treasure in a rather unconventional setting—on a laptop perched at the side of a street just behind the Day of the Devs event in LA. With the sun glaring fiercely onto the screen and my device precariously close to running out of power, it wasn’t the ideal gaming scenario. Next to me was Nick, the head of the studio, quietly observing as I, despite a hangover, attempted to get into the groove of his team’s creation. His “interesting” remark hinted at bemusement as I fumbled through the tutorial, taking an embarrassingly long time to make the leap into the ocean and truly start the game. That was undoubtedly one of the year’s more humbling moments for me.
Yet, in a year flooded with indie hits, daring double-A titles, massive triple-A experiences, and the occasional laugh at the expense of quadruple-A ambitions, this endearing crab adventure managed to capture my heart. It’s a standout example of masterful game development—one I’ve eagerly recommended to anyone who’ll listen. Another Crab’s Treasure is genuinely special, a bright gem in the gaming scene of 2024.
The folks at Aggro Crab, the creative force behind this game, have faced their share of challenges, such as ongoing break-ins at their studio. Despite this, the team, made up mostly of fresh faces in the gaming world, managed to release Another Crab’s Treasure back in April, and it was a hit. By November 1st, it had sold over 500,000 copies, a remarkable feat for an indie project. It’s bagged quite a few awards too, and for good reason. This game brings an injection of color and excitement into a subgenre that can sometimes feel bogged down by darker themes, all while conveying an important message.
A standout feature of Another Crab’s Treasure is how its team approached game and community management with a modern flair. Recognizing the gem they had, they did more than just launch it and hope for the best. Instead, their clever use of community engagement, meme culture, and influencer collaboration created a buzz without overshadowing the game itself. The team’s youthful energy shines through, breaking genre conventions with a fresh spin. And let’s not forget the killer original soundtrack—shoutout to Felix for that masterpiece.
However, even a seemingly unstoppable force like Aggro Crab isn’t immune to the industry’s current turbulence. At the beginning of November, they announced some sobering news—the funding for their third game had fallen through. This turn of events casts a shadow over the team’s well-deserved moments of recognition, like scooping up Golden Joystick Awards, as the financial realities of the industry refuse to budge.
Labeling this development a disappointment is an understatement. If studios like Aggro Crab, with ingenious games like Another Crab’s Treasure, can’t ensure financial security, it reflects poorly on the industry as a whole. Nonetheless, their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. With the new year approaching and corporate budgets being set, there’s hope that decision-makers will see the value in investing in such talent, making what could be an absolute steal.
For those who haven’t jumped on the bandwagon yet, now’s a great time! Another Crab’s Treasure is set to receive exciting updates, including a new game plus mode and a thrilling boss rush mode, among other surprises. It’s a game that deserves your attention, created by passionate people who will genuinely appreciate your support.
