Mintrocket partnered with The Asylum, the studio behind Sharknado and Meth Gator, to produce a live-action short film promoting Dave the Diver's In the Jungle DLC launching June 18. Director Anthony C. Ferrante helmed the project, bringing the campy, over-the-top sensibility The Asylum specializes in to the cozy fishing adventure's jungle expansion.
Steven Tulumello stars as Dave, with Steve Falcone as Cobra, Kofi Baffour as Bancho, Von Antonio as Dr. Bacon, Vivian True as Muna, and G. Anthony Joseph as Chief Panutah. The casting reflects The Asylum's B-movie ethos, trading the pixel-art charm of Nexon's indie hit for practical effects and comedic absurdity.
This collaboration represents an unusual marketing play for Dave the Diver, a game that built its audience through word-of-mouth and organic hype rather than traditional advertising. The original 2022 release became a phenomenon on PC, then hit Netflix Games, attracting millions of players drawn to its relaxing gameplay loop and mysterious narrative. The game's success spawned merchandise, collaborations, and expansion plans that extend well beyond what anyone predicted for a modest indie project.
By tapping The Asylum, Mintrocket leans into Dave the Diver's inherent absurdism. The base game blends fishing mechanics with spy thrillers and surreal storytelling. A live-action adaptation in the hands of a studio known for intentionally ridiculous creature-feature films feels genuinely aligned with the game's tonal DNA, not a cynical cash grab.
The Asylum's involvement signals confidence in Dave the Diver's mainstream crossover potential. The studio doesn't typically work with game publishers