Shovel Knight Dev’s Fate Depends on Mina the Hollower’s Success

Insider Gaming
Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:10:53 +0000

Yacht Club Games, known for Shovel Knight, faces potential financial instability depending on the success of their upcoming title, Mina the Hollower. The game was delayed indefinitely after developers identified several issues that need fixing. Co-founder Sean Velasco stated that selling 500,000 copies would ensure their independence, while 100,000 could jeopardize their future. The studio currently has 15 employees and is experiencing low finances.

2025-12-02 | VGC: Shovel Knight studio Yacht Club Games is ‘make or break’ and relying on its next game’s success

Yacht Club Games, known for Shovel Knight, faces a critical juncture as its co-founder, Sean Velasco, states the success of their upcoming game, Mina the Hollower, is vital for the studio's future. Originally set for release on October 31, it has been delayed indefinitely. Velasco indicated that sales targets of 100,000 to 500,000 copies will determine the studio's viability, with the company having already downsized and paused a 3D Shovel Knight sequel.

2025-12-02 | GamesRadar+: After a quiet flop and some very loud industry-wide implosion, Shovel Knight dev really needs its new Game Boy-style soulslike to break through: "If we sold, like, 100,000, that's not so good"

Yacht Club Games, known for Shovel Knight, faces uncertainty as it prepares for the release of Mina the Hollower, a Game Boy-style soulslike. Co-founder Sean Velasco stated the game's success is crucial for the studio's future, with sales expectations ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 copies. The company has transitioned to remote work and delayed the game's release from Halloween 2025. Despite confidence in the game's quality, past spin-off sales have been disappointing, leading to concerns about the studio's viability.

2025-12-02 | Push Square: Shovel Knight Dev Might Live or Die Based on the Sales of Mina the Hollower

Yacht Club Games, known for Shovel Knight, faces potential peril as its future hinges on the sales of Mina the Hollower. The studio has downsized to 15 employees and delayed the game's release indefinitely. Co-founder Sean Velasco stated the situation is "make-or-break," with an estimated 200,000 copies needed to ensure financial stability. The game features a Game Boy Colour-inspired design and various abilities, but Yacht Club's funds are dwindling, impacting future projects.

2025-12-02 | Nintendo Life: "It's Make-Or-Break For Sure" - Shovel Knight Dev's Fate Rests On Upcoming Zelda-Like

Yacht Club Games' upcoming title, Mina the Hollower, is deemed "make-or-break" for the studio's future, according to founder Sean Velasco. The game, a Zelda-like project funded via Kickstarter in 2022, has faced delays and internal restructuring. Velasco stated that selling 500,000 copies would ensure success, while 100,000 would be disappointing. A free demo is available on the eShop, showcasing its 2D Zelda-inspired gameplay. The studio plans to focus on one project at a time moving forward.

2025-12-02 | GamesIndustry.biz: Yacht Club says it is "make-or-break" for the studio after delaying Mina the Hollower

Yacht Club Games has reached a "make-or-break" point, stating its future hinges on the success of Mina the Hollower, which has been delayed indefinitely just weeks before its planned October launch. The studio, known for Shovel Knight, raised $1.2 million via Kickstarter for the game, but its scope expanded under first-time leader Alec Faulkner. To cut costs, Yacht Club will transition to a remote studio and focus on one project at a time.

2025-12-03 | Eurogamer: Shovel Knight developer at a "make-or-break" moment as all eyes focus on its brilliant upcoming release, Mina the Hollower

Yacht Club Games, known for Shovel Knight, faces a critical juncture with its upcoming release, Mina the Hollower. The game, featuring a mouse protagonist in a gothic world, has shifted the studio's focus after restructuring due to pandemic challenges. Studio founder Sean Velasco emphasized the importance of sales, stating 200,000 copies would be great, while 100,000 would be concerning. Mina the Hollower's release was delayed for final polishing, with no new date announced.

2025-12-03 | Rock Paper Shotgun: Weeks after an indefinite delay, Mina the Hollower's success is a "make-or-break" moment for Yacht Club Games

Yacht Club Games' upcoming title, Mina the Hollower, faces an uncertain future following its indefinite delay. Studio head Sean Velasco emphasized that the game's sales are crucial, with 500,000 copies needed for success. The indie landscape has changed since Shovel Knight's launch, making it harder to capture attention. Development on a 3D Shovel Knight game has been paused to focus on Mina, leaving the studio's future in a precarious position.