David Szymanski, the visionary behind the acclaimed game Dusk and a key player in the resurgence of retro first-person shooters, fondly recalls his early gaming experiences. Growing up with titles like Lemmings and Oil’s Well, it was the immersive world of Myst that left a lasting impression on him. “That was the first game I remember really getting super into—being able to enter another world and explore it in first-person,” he reflects.
Initially known for crafting short horror games, Szymanski’s breakthrough came in 2018 with Dusk, a nostalgic nod to the classic shooters of the ’90s, such as Doom and Quake. Following its success, he returned to his roots, developing shorter games like the submarine horror experience, Iron Lung, which gained further recognition when adapted into a film by YouTuber Markiplier earlier this year.
Reflecting on the evolution of first-person shooters, Szymanski notes the diversity of the genre during its formative years. “There wasn’t really this codified—or COD-ified—design for what a shooter was supposed to look like,” he explains. The landscape was rich with innovation, featuring titles like Serious Sam and Halo, each bringing unique mechanics and gameplay experiences.
He categorizes the gaming timeline into distinct eras, dubbing the ’90s as the silver age of FPS games, while the late ’90s to mid-2000s represents the golden age. “Then we enter the brown age,” he quips, indicating a shift in the genre’s aesthetic and design philosophy.
Among his gaming preferences, Szymanski expresses a newfound appreciation for survival crafting games, particularly The Forest and Subnautica. Despite not finishing either, he acknowledges the allure they hold, stating, “That’s about my cutoff point attention-wise.” His gaming habits reveal a tendency to seek new experiences, even when faced with titles he considers among the best.
What is the oldest game (by release date) currently installed on your PC?
When asked about the oldest game on his PC, Szymanski confidently cites Doom. “Technically what’s installed is the most recent port, but it’s still Doom,” he asserts. He regards it as nearly the best FPS ever made, praising its historical significance and timeless appeal. “You can still go back and play Doom and almost everyone is going to have a good time,” he adds, contrasting it with other classics that haven’t aged as gracefully.
Szymanski appreciates the chaotic nature of game design, drawing parallels to franchises like Resident Evil. “It’s such a chaotic mixture of things that it’s very hard to actually ruin it,” he notes, emphasizing the enduring charm of Doom despite its various iterations.
What is the highest number of hours you have in any given game, according to Steam?
In terms of playtime, Szymanski admits his hours are modest compared to many gamers. His most-played title on Steam is Counter-Strike 2, clocking in at 324 hours. However, he reveals a surprising depth of engagement with Elden Ring, where he amassed 186 hours. “It turns out I do really like soulslikes,” he confesses, recognizing the game’s appeal as a culmination of elements he enjoys from the genre.
What game will you never, ever uninstall?
When it comes to games he would never uninstall, Szymanski’s answer is a blend of nostalgia and comfort. While Doom and Quake are the obvious choices, he highlights Infra as a unique favorite. “I always have a playthrough going of Infra, and when I finish it, I just start back over because it’s my comfort game,” he shares. Its intricate design and detailed environments keep him returning for more, making it a staple on his gaming roster.
What’s a piece of non-gaming software installed on your PC that you simply couldn’t live without?
On the software front, Szymanski mentions GIMP as an essential tool. “I’ve been using GIMP from even before I was a developer,” he states, noting its accessibility and his familiarity with the program. Despite never having used Photoshop, he appreciates GIMP’s capabilities and continues to rely on it for his creative endeavors.
How tidy is your desktop screen?
As for his desktop organization, Szymanski admits to a recent Linux installation that has kept things relatively tidy. “I started out saying that I wouldn’t have any icons on it. And now I’m up to nine icons,” he laughs, acknowledging the inevitable clutter that tends to accumulate over time. His desktop serves as a reflection of his gaming journey, filled with aspirations for order amidst the chaos of creativity.
