In a recent exploration of the gaming world, we delve into the life of Dave Oshry, the CEO of New Blood Interactive, who has made significant contributions to the revival of the boomer-shooter genre. His journey into PC gaming began in his father’s office, where he first encountered a game intriguingly named “Hero.” This elusive title, which he has been unable to track down since, turned out to be the original Quest for Glory. However, it was a fateful visit to a friend’s house that introduced him to Wolfenstein 3-D, a moment he describes as life-changing, steering him toward his future in game development.
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<span class="personname”>Dave Oshry
Oshry’s portfolio includes titles such as Doom, Dusk, Amid Evil, and the hit Ultrakill. Currently, New Blood is busy enhancing Gloomwood and Blood West, finalizing the Dungeon Crawler spinoff Dungeons of Dusk, and rolling out a new episode for Fallen Aces, an immersive sim set in the 1930s gangster era. Among his recent favorites is Aether & Iron, a game that captivates him with its art deco aesthetics and retro futurism, blending RPG elements with engaging narrative.
My favourite genre is CRPGs. I’m an RPG guy, you know, the Baldur’s Gates, the Torments, the Fallouts.
While many might associate him with first-person shooters, Oshry’s heart lies with CRPGs, a passion rooted in the classics of the ’90s. He fondly recalls his gaming experiences, highlighting the narrative-driven nature of some titles that blur the lines between genres.
What was the previous game you played, and is it still installed?
Oshry’s latest gaming venture involves a modded version of Vice City, which he describes as a “Definitive Edition” that amalgamates the best features from various platforms. This personalized version remains a staple in his gaming library, showcasing his dedication to preserving the essence of classic titles.
He reminisces about his early gaming days, where he dabbled in modding on the Mac version of Wolf 3-D, creating levels that he would sell to classmates. This creative outlet not only honed his skills but also sparked a lifelong passion for game design.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
When it comes to playtime, Oshry has logged an impressive 488.8 hours in Fallout 76, a game he enjoys as a single-player experience despite its multiplayer focus. He appreciates the game’s expansive map and the thrill of exploring its cryptid-filled landscapes. Reflecting on the potential of an offline version, he believes it could resonate well with players seeking a more traditional Fallout experience.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
Unsurprisingly, DOOM holds a special place in Oshry’s heart. He humorously contemplates the absurdity of not having it installed, given his reputation as a champion of retro shooters. The game’s enduring appeal lies in its community, which continues to create new content, ensuring that there’s always something fresh to explore.
The search bar on Windows is useless.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
Oshry swears by a tool called Everything by Voidtools, which allows for instantaneous searches across his entire PC. He finds it indispensable for navigating the myriad of files and projects he manages, especially given the limitations of the standard Windows search functionality.
Generally, how tidy is your desktop screen?
His desktop reflects a blend of organization and creativity, featuring neatly arranged folders labeled with categories such as “New Blood Stuff,” “Family Stuff,” and “Random Stuff.” This methodical approach showcases his penchant for tidiness, tempered by a touch of creativity.