Punk isn’t dead: An interview with New Blood’s Dave Oshry

March 4, 2026 - 21:04

The spirit of punk rock is alive and well in the video game industry, according to Dave Oshry, the CEO of New Blood Interactive. The publisher, famous for reviving the frenetic energy of the retro first-person shooter with hits like ULTRAKILL and Dusk, is now setting its sights beyond that beloved genre.

In a recent discussion, Oshry framed the company's philosophy as a direct rebellion against mainstream, corporate game development. He argues that just as punk music was a raw reaction to overproduced rock, there are entire genres of games being ignored by the larger industry. New Blood’s mission is to seek out these "underserved niches" and empower the passionate developers working within them.

"We found our audience with the boomer shooter, and it proved something important," Oshry explained. "There is a massive, hungry community for games made with passion, not just by committee. If a genre has been left behind or forgotten by the big players, that’s exactly where we want to look."

This expansion doesn't mean abandoning the fast-paced shooters that built their reputation. Instead, it signals a commitment to a broader creative ethos. Oshry believes that by supporting unique visions and trusting developers with strong, specific ideas—whether in horror, immersive sims, or other overlooked styles—New Blood can continue to deliver the unexpected and the exhilarating. The company’s strategy remains firmly rooted in a DIY, community-driven approach, proving that for many gamers, punk is most certainly not dead.