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Press release:
Seoul, South Korea (2nd June, 2026) – Today, Mintrocket, the award-winning developer behind DAVE THE DIVER, formally unveiled its next genre-blending title: BANCHO THE CHEF. This all-new adventure follows the enigmatic Bancho through his early formative years as an aspiring cook, traveling across Asia to study regional cuisines, refine his craft, and ultimately become the master chef fans know and love.

Blending cooking simulation with light RPG progression, BANCHO THE CHEF invites players to step into Bancho’s shoes as he hones his skills through hands-on culinary mastery, ingredient discovery, and restaurant management. Players will journey through vibrant locations such as Japan, Korea, and China, learning authentic dishes, building reputation, and unlocking new techniques through a dynamic gameplay loop that combines story-driven missions with the craft of cooking.

At its core, this brand-new experience delivers a satisfying progression system where learning ingredients, serving customers, and completing challenges in each region all contribute to Bancho’s growth. As players expand their culinary expertise, they’ll unlock new recipes, attract more customers, and earn the approval of local masters to advance to new regions, all while uncovering Bancho’s personal journey and connections to the world of DAVE THE DIVER.

“Bancho has long been a fan-favorite character in DAVE THE DIVER, and as a somewhat mysterious personality and highly skilled chef, we knew he was deserving of his own fully realized backstory,” said Jaeho Hwang, Head of Mintrocket.

“This game is special to our team for many reasons, but most of all, we are thrilled to bring another adventure into the world that our fans love so much.”

Key Features:

Cooking Sim Meets RPG Progression – Experience a unique genre mash-up where cooking mechanics, time management, minigames, and strategic restaurant operations are paired with character growth and narrative progression.

Culinary Journey Across Asia – Travel through diverse regions including Japan, Korea, and China, learning authentic recipes and techniques inspired by real life local cuisine.

Dynamic Gameplay Loop – Balance missions, mini-games, exploration, and practice as you progress through regions and master a diverse array of recipes.

Earn Your Local Reputation – Fulfill requests from regional locals by serving the dishes they want, and raise the restaurant’s reputation in each community you visit.

Expanded World & Side Activities – Engage in additional content such as fishing, VIP missions, and more, adding variety to Bancho’s journey.

A Story-Driven Origin Tale – Discover Bancho’s backstory and his connection to the DAVE THE DIVER universe in an all-new narrative-rich adventure which takes place years before the events of Dave The Diver.

BANCHO THE CHEF will launch on PC and consoles. Wishlist now on Steam and the PlayStation Store.

More information about launch timing and further platform specifics will be announced in the future.

To stay up to date on all things BANCHO THE CHEF and DAVE THE DIVER, follow Mintrocket on Discord, X, and YouTube.

ABOUT MINTROCKET
MINTROCKET is a South Korea–based game studio dedicated to delivering fun, memorable interactive experiences. Guided by a passion for creativity across genres, the studio strives to contribute to a world where new, imaginative games can coexist. MINTROCKET believes that great games are defined by the players themselves, a philosophy reflected in the global success of the hybrid marine adventure with a sushi twist, Dave the Diver. With a focus on engaging gameplay and immersive worlds, MINTROCKET continues to develop unique, inspiring titles that resonate with gamers everywhere.