Mintrocket, the acclaimed studio behind Dave the Diver, has officially announced its next project, BANCHO THE CHEF. The newly revealed title shifts the spotlight to one of the franchise’s most beloved characters, offering players a chance to experience Bancho’s journey long before he became the legendary chef fans know today.
Set years before the events of Dave the Diver, BANCHO THE CHEF follows the young aspiring cook as he travels across Asia in pursuit of culinary mastery. Players will accompany Bancho on a story-driven adventure through countries including Japan, Korea, and China, learning regional cooking techniques, discovering new ingredients, and building a reputation as a rising chef.
The game blends cooking simulation mechanics with RPG-style progression, creating a gameplay experience centered around mastering recipes, managing restaurants, and completing challenges across a variety of locations. As players improve their skills, they will unlock new dishes, earn recognition from local culinary experts, and gain access to new regions and opportunities.
At the heart of the experience is a progression system that rewards exploration, experimentation, and customer satisfaction. Learning about local ingredients, serving increasingly demanding customers, and completing region-specific objectives all contribute to Bancho’s growth as a chef.
Beyond cooking, players will encounter a range of side activities designed to add variety to the adventure. Fishing, VIP requests, exploration, and other optional content will help flesh out the world while offering additional rewards and challenges.
Mintrocket says the game aims to provide a deeper look into Bancho’s character and his connections to the wider Dave the Diver universe. The studio hopes longtime fans will enjoy uncovering the origins of one of the series’ most recognizable personalities while newcomers can experience a standalone culinary adventure.
Key features include a blend of cooking simulation and RPG progression, a culinary journey across multiple Asian regions, restaurant management systems, reputation-building mechanics, side activities such as fishing and special missions, and a narrative-focused story that explores Bancho’s early years.
While a release date has not yet been announced, BANCHO THE CHEF is currently planned for PC and consoles. Players can wishlist the game now on Steam and the PlayStation Store, with additional platform details and launch information expected at a later date.