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Mina the Hollower sells 300,000 in 3 days, Yacht Club Games is saved
AppWizard
June 4, 2026

Mina the Hollower sells 300,000 in 3 days, Yacht Club Games is saved

Yacht Club Games' latest title, Mina the Hollower, sold 300,000 copies within its first three days, surpassing the founder's target of 200,000. The game has received a 90% score on Metacritic, making it the top-rated game of 2026, tied with Forza Horizon 6. Critics have praised its challenging gameplay, immersive atmosphere, and aesthetic appeal. Despite not reaching the 500,000 sales mark yet, the successful launch positions Yacht Club Games favorably for future operations without immediate financial threats. In comparison, another title from the studio, Mewgenics, sold one million copies in its first week.
Before Mina the Hollower, Yacht Club paused a 3D Shovel Knight game that's 'not far from being showable' and a possible next project
AppWizard
May 31, 2026

Before Mina the Hollower, Yacht Club paused a 3D Shovel Knight game that’s ‘not far from being showable’ and a possible next project

Sean Velasco, co-founder of Yacht Club Games, discussed the pricing and significance of their upcoming title, Mina the Hollower, which is positioned as a pivotal moment for the studio. He mentioned challenges faced during its development that may influence future projects. The studio is currently focused on supporting and marketing Mina the Hollower, a top-down homage to the Zelda franchise. Velasco indicated a potential return to the Shovel Knight series, noting that a 3D version was considered but the team chose to focus on the 2D adventure. Yacht Club Games follows a one-at-a-time approach to game development and Velasco expressed optimism about their future release schedule. Early backers are eagerly anticipating Mina the Hollower, which received a 90% review score from PCG contributor Kerry Brunskill.
The indie game that toppled Forza Horizon 6 off Metacritic is now out for Xbox and PC — and I deeply regret letting it slip under my radar until now
AppWizard
May 30, 2026

The indie game that toppled Forza Horizon 6 off Metacritic is now out for Xbox and PC — and I deeply regret letting it slip under my radar until now

The indie game Mina the Hollower has received a Metacritic score of 92, surpassing Microsoft's Forza Horizon 6. Developed by Yacht Club Games, it features a retro-inspired, isometric, 2D action-adventure style reminiscent of the Game Boy Color era. Players control Mina on a quest to free an island from a curse, navigating through gothic-horror castles and battling monsters with various weapons. The game is available on multiple platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)
AppWizard
May 29, 2026

31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)

Mina The Hollower is a game developed by Yacht Club Games over six years for PC and consoles. The protagonist, Mina, has a unique move called "hollowing," which allows her to dive into the ground to find treasures and navigate through walls, contrasting with the jumping mechanic of Super Mario. The co-founder of Yacht Club Games, David D’Angelo, recommended starting with Shovel Knight to prepare for Mina The Hollower, noting that Specter of Torment is the least difficult and quickest to finish, while King of Cards offers a polished experience similar to Mina. Engaging with Yacht Club's previous titles enhances understanding of their game design evolution.
silver Android smartphone
AppWizard
May 28, 2026

31 hours with the spit-shined Mina the Hollower (and 34 with the four games that came before it)

Mina The Hollower is a new game developed by Yacht Club Games, which has been in development for six years for PC and consoles. The protagonist, Mina, has a unique ability called "hollowing," allowing her to dig into the earth to find treasures and navigate through walls. The co-founder of Yacht Club Games, David D’Angelo, recommended playing their previous titles, starting with Shovel Knight, to better understand the design philosophy behind Mina The Hollower. He noted that Specter of Torment is the least difficult and quickest to finish, while King of Cards celebrates their work in the Treasure Trove compilation. Engaging with these games provides insights into the studio's evolution as a game developer.
Two Brilliant-Looking Indie Games Come Out This Week
AppWizard
May 27, 2026

Two Brilliant-Looking Indie Games Come Out This Week

IO Interactive is releasing 007 First Light, while indie titles Mina the Hollower and Enter the Chronosphere are also launching. Mina the Hollower is developed by Yacht Club Games and features a mouse navigating dungeons with challenges inspired by Castlevania and Zelda. Enter the Chronosphere is a sci-fi turn-based bullet hell roguelike from Effort Star, noted for its psychedelic art style and positive early reviews. Release dates include: - May 25: Paralives, Enter the Chronosphere (early access), EMUUROM, Jump King Quest, RUNNING TRAIN - May 26: Stonemachia, Town to City (1.0), World of Tanks: Heat, Birushana: Winds of Fate, LumenTale: Memories of Trey, Romestead, Realm of Ink, Tower of Babel: Survivors of Chaos, Teamfight Manager 2 - May 27: 007 First Light, Poppy Playtime: Chapter 5 (port), Utawarerumono: Past and Present Rediscovered, Starminer - May 28: Amanda the Adventurer 3, Bluey’s Quest for the Gold Pen, Clockfall, Monochrome Mobius: Rights and Wrongs Forgotten, Schrödinger’s Call, Story of Seasons: Grand Bazaar (port), Stray (port), Touhou Yukkuri Mountain, Scale the Depths, STARDUST: Wish of Witch - May 29: Little Nightmares II Enhanced Edition (port), Mina the Hollower
My most-anticipated but frequently delayed Zelda-like is finally releasing later this month after 6 years in development
AppWizard
May 7, 2026

My most-anticipated but frequently delayed Zelda-like is finally releasing later this month after 6 years in development

Mina the Hollower is a top-down adventure game set to release on Steam on May 29, 2023. It draws inspiration from the classic Zelda series and features pixel art with an 8-bit aesthetic. The game is influenced by Bloodborne and leans towards the gothic charm of Castlevania. Development began in 2020, facing challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The studio aims to sell 500,000 copies for success, with 200,000 considered strong and below 100,000 raising concerns. The release timing is strategic, with limited competition in late May.
5 great indie games from GDC 2026
AppWizard
March 15, 2026

5 great indie games from GDC 2026

The GDC Festival of Gaming showcased several upcoming games. - At Fate’s End: An action-adventure game by Thunder Lotus, releasing in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It explores sibling relationships through combat and exploration. - Mina the Hollower: Developed by Yacht Club Games, this game is inspired by Link’s Awakening and will launch this spring on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S. - The Melty Way: A platformer featuring a slime that melts as it progresses through levels, entering early access on Steam on April 24th. - Poke a Nose: A game where players control a severed hand to collect toilet paper and poke noses, targeting a 2026 release on PC, with a possibility of early 2027. - Super Meat Boy 3D: A 3D adaptation of the original Super Meat Boy, expected to launch in 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.
The best Smash Bros.-like on Steam just added a character who can shop for items and go fishing in the middle of a match, in case you thought fighting games were too one-note
AppWizard
February 16, 2026

The best Smash Bros.-like on Steam just added a character who can shop for items and go fishing in the middle of a match, in case you thought fighting games were too one-note

Rivals of Aether 2 is an upcoming sequel to the original game, set to be released on April 7, 2026. Shovel Knight will return with unique gameplay mechanics, despite not being part of the new character roster. The game will feature a diverse lineup of characters, including a folding chair-flinging ant wrestler and a magnet-powered dinosaur. Newcomer Slade, from the turn-based spinoff Dungeons of Aether, will also be included.
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