The creative force behind Another Crab’s Treasure has articulated why the industry’s obsession with mimicking Dark Souls is becoming detrimental. He suggests that the current gaming landscape is increasingly oversaturated with FromSoftware-inspired clones, a trend that is beginning to stifle genuine innovation.
Caelan Pollock, Creative Director at Aggro Crab, argues that the “Soulslike” label has boxed developers into a repetitive cycle of replicating the specific design choices of the original Dark Souls. He maintains that the definitive version of this experience was achieved years ago, making any attempt to perfectly mirror its mechanics a redundant and ultimately fruitless endeavor.
Pollock believes that the enduring legacy of the original game was rooted in its unique imperfections, which allowed it to resonate deeply with players and reshape the industry. When modern studios procedurally copy elements like stamina management or corpse-run mechanics, the result is often a derivative experience lacking its own soul. Instead of evolving the genre, many developers find themselves clinging to the superficial hallmarks of a “Souls” game.
Another Crab’s Treasure was conceived as a deliberate departure from this formulaic approach. By swapping grimdark aesthetics for a vibrant yet tragic story of a crab surviving in a polluted ocean, the game uses plastic debris as armor—a clear commentary on the environmental crisis. According to the developers, the studio knowingly took a risk, betting that the gaming community is ready for a more imaginative and thematic interpretation of a familiar mechanical foundation.
Source: iXBT.games