The developer of Shovel Knight, Yacht Club Games, is now hiring for someone to work on a 3D title, according to a recent job listing.
As per a job posting for Mid-Senior Gameplay Progammer on Gamasutra, Yacht Club Games is expanding its 3D team to “complement our existing 2D team.”
Given that Yacht Club Games typically works exclusively on 2D games, such as their modern classic, Shovel Knight, it is interesting that the team is expanding into the 3D realm.
Perhaps the developer is planning to take the series to the 3D landscape? Shovel Knight previously appeared in Playtonic Games’ Yooka-Laylee in 3D. Further, the character later appeared in 2018’s Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as an Assist Trophy (to the disappointment of Shovel Knight fans). As such, the character has gotten some time in the spotlight, but no core entry has been designed as a 3D experience.
Even, so, Yacht Club Games has teased the possibility before, as it still has plans to continue work on the franchise. In a recent podcast, developers Sandy Gordon and Sean Velasco discussed the future of the franchise, saying they intended to make more games with the Shovel Knight character.
Or, Yacht Club Games could be starting a completely new series. The 3D platforming sub-genre has experienced a renaissance in recent times with the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot remakes, which both turned out to be very successful. While Yooka-Laylee didn’t wow audiences, it was received as a competent 3D platformer reminiscent of the platformers of yore like Banjo-Kazooie and Conker’s Bad Fur Day. So, Yacht Club Games might be looking to expand the 3D platforming genre altogether.
Yacht Club Games does currently have other projects it’s working on. Cyber Shadow is its most prominent upcoming title. Inspired by Ninja Gaiden and similar action platformers, Cyber Shadow seems to be dipping its feet further into the pool of 8-bit glory.
We shall see where Yacht Club Games takes its development as far as 3D games are concerned. Whether it’s a 3D Shovel Knight entry or a brand-new series, Yacht Club Games has proven itself reliable in making polished titles.
