After Years of Development in Early Access, the Game Dinkum Officially Launches on Steam
Combining survival and simulation elements, Dinkum is likened to a fantastic blend between Minecraft and Stardew Valley.
Developed by Game Creator James Bendon, Dinkum First Launched in Early Access on Steam in July 2022
Despite a plethora of survival and life simulation games on Steam, Dinkum quickly carved out its unique niche with a distinct Australian landscape that evokes a sense of adventure. Upon release, the game garnered nearly 13,500 concurrent players on Steam—a remarkable achievement for an indie title.
On April 23, Dinkum officially exited Early Access, nearly three years after its initial launch. Unlike the typical trend of price increases seen in many indie games post-release, Dinkum maintains its original price of approximately 266,000 VND. Additionally, the game has been frequently discounted over the past three years, making it relatively accessible. Currently, Dinkum remains a PC-exclusive title, although this may change in the near future. Since 2022, the developer has hinted at a potential console version following the conclusion of Early Access, but no official confirmation has been made regarding this plan after three years.
Dinkum’s gameplay loop includes resource gathering, building, and community interaction. Players can engage in farming, fishing, mining, and collecting materials to earn in-game currency—referred to as “Dinks”—to enhance their character’s abilities. Similar to Stardew Valley, Dinkum features a seasonal system that directly influences the types of crops and wildlife that appear in the game. Additionally, the mining system offers familiar elements, requiring players to explore caves to discover valuable minerals. Visually, Dinkum showcases a stylized artistic approach reminiscent of Animal Crossing, with bright and friendly aesthetics. Alongside solo gameplay, the game also supports co-op play for up to six players, and its system requirements are quite manageable.
