The Rise and Success of New Blood Interactive in the Boomer Shooter Scene
Origin Story
New Blood Interactive and its talented team have firmly established themselves as pioneers in the boomer shooter scene. This niche genre celebrates the design and aesthetic trends of the ’90s and early ’00s, and New Blood Interactive has become the epitome of excellence within this space. However, the studio’s remarkable journey to its current status did not happen overnight. In fact, it all started a decade ago when a group of friends gathered in a small apartment, trying to figure out their passion and purpose in the gaming industry.
Aiming for Greatness
During a recent interview commemorating their 10th anniversary, New Blood Interactive’s founder, Dave Oshry, shared insights on their humble beginnings. According to Oshry, their initial plan had always been simple: hang out with friends and make games. This laid-back approach, surprisingly, turned out to be the key to their longevity and success. Oshry stated, “It just turns out that that’s actually the way to stay together.”
A Bumpy but Determined Start
Oshry candidly admitted that most of their early projects never saw the light of day. However, everything changed when they revealed their 2018 first-person shooter, Dusk. This game marked a major turning point for the studio, effortlessly captivating the hearts of FPS enthusiasts who had been craving a throwback to the golden era of gaming. In a market saturated with games, Dusk successfully consolidated the indie scene as the natural home for boomer shooters as we transitioned into the 2020s.
An Unexpected Subgenre
David Szymanski, the creator of Dusk, recollected the awe-inspiring reactions from fans when the game was showcased for the first time at QuakeCon. Many attendees were shocked and enamored by Dusk’s resemblance to the classic Quake game. Szymanski recalled their response, stating, “Is that an old game? It looks like Quake!” The game’s appeal validated the team’s vision and revealed a passionate community hidden in the shadows.
A Flourishing Genre
Despite boomer shooters emerging as an official genre on Steam, New Blood’s team members are filled with excitement and joy at the growing number of similar games flooding the indie shooter scene. Szymanski expressed his newfound dilemma of having too many games to play, exclaiming, “I can’t play all the ones that come out!” Meanwhile, Oshry welcomed the influx of these games, stating, “I think ‘the more the merrier.’ It’s awesome that there’s a bajillion games like these, why not?”
New Blood’s Ongoing Innovation
Even in the midst of chaotic competition, New Blood Interactive distinguishes itself within the indie shooter scene. Games like Dusk, Ultrakill, and Amid Evil showcase the studio’s unmatched craftsmanship and unique approach to first-person shooters. Furthermore, their ongoing projects, such as Gloomwood and Fallen Aces, are eagerly anticipated immersive sims that promise to deliver an exceptional and engrossing gaming experience.
