Fishing RPG Dredge set for iOS mobile release as rights confusion delays Google Play pre-registrations
- Dredge is angling for an expansion, planning to launch on iOS, Android and Mac later this year
- There is no Google Play Store listing as yet
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Black Salt Games’ horror fishing RPG Dredge is set to launch on iOS and Mac on December 18th, 2024.
The New-Zealand based studio is also hopeful to release the title on the same day on the Google Play Store. However, there’s no pre-order listing as yet because “Google doesn’t believe we own the rights to our own game”, according to Dredge developer Joel Mason.
The developer said the confusion appeared to stem from FunPlus’ Sea of Conquest.
There will be a free demo available on Apple products later this year giving curious fishermen the chance to try before they buy, but the full base game will cost a one-time fee on each platform.
Eurogamer reported that access to Dredge’s DLC will be gated behind in-app purchases.
Going cosmic
Dredge found success on PC and consoles last year for its melding of maritime exploration with Lovecraftian cosmic horror – sending players to an open-world archipelago bursting with “messed up fish” to catch.
Its day-night cycle changes what creatures appear, adds more challenges and puts on extra pressure with a panic metre, further emphasising the horror themes. There’s also an element of micromanagement as players only have so much room on their boat to bring home a day’s haul, though upgrades can expand its capacity and resilience.
The mobile version promises various quests and a mysterious plot to unravel, plus “over 125 deep sea denizens” to catch.
“Huge day for the Steam forums bros who said Dredge looks like a mobile game coming to Mac, iOS and Android December 18th,” Mason posted on Twitter.
“Both Android and iOS versions will be premium purchases for the full game, but iOS/Mac will have a demo.”
