New Blood Interactive Prioritizes Players Over Profit, Eyes Switch 2
Jakarta – Dave Oshry, co-founder of independent game publisher New Blood Interactive, has openly stated that the Steam platform provides significantly greater financial benefits than releasing games on consoles. This admission, made during an interview with RPG Site on February 24, 2026, reflects the current economic realities of the gaming industry. Still, Oshry emphasized New Blood Interactive’s continued commitment to bringing their games to various console platforms to satisfy their player base.
Steam’s Financial Dominance in the Indie Game Market
“If we only cared about money, we wouldn’t be releasing anything other than Steam right now,” Oshry stated, adding with a touch of humor, “But we hate money and we love our players.” This sentiment underscores the company’s philosophy of prioritizing player satisfaction over maximizing profit.
Current trends indicate Steam is becoming the leading platform for independent developers seeking financial success. This is attributed to its flexibility in content updates, broad audience reach, and a generally more favorable business model for developers. Oshry explicitly noted that Steam delivers “far greater financial benefits” compared to console releases.
Challenges of Console Releases: Complexity and Certification
Despite Steam’s financial advantages, Oshry acknowledged the difficulties associated with releasing games on consoles. He described the porting process as “painful” and often resulting in “significantly fewer” sales than a Steam launch. This highlights that, despite potentially lower revenues, developers often choose consoles to reach a wider audience and respond to community demand.
The development and release process on consoles differs from PC platforms like Steam. Oshry explained that Steam offers developers greater flexibility, allowing for real-time updates. In contrast, consoles require a more protracted process. “Consoles require waiting weeks or going through certification,” he added, emphasizing the bureaucratic hurdles developers face.
“We do it because our players wish it, right?” Oshry said, reiterating that direct community demand is the primary driver behind their console releases. “When people say, ‘Please put your games on Xbox,’ we put them on Xbox. When people say, ‘Put them on PlayStation,’ we put them on PlayStation.”
Nintendo Switch 2 Readiness and Performance
Oshry also shared updates regarding New Blood Interactive’s preparation for the next generation of consoles. The company has received a development kit for the Nintendo Switch 2, and Oshry noted that it is “not much different from the Switch 1,” simplifying the adaptation of existing games.
This advantage has already been demonstrated. Oshry revealed that their flagship title, Dusk, runs exceptionally well on the Switch 2. “Dusk running at 120fps with mouse controls on the Switch 2,” he explained, adding that the game’s performance “worked very well.” This suggests strong potential for New Blood titles to deliver optimal performance on Nintendo’s next-generation console.
Expanding Beyond Boomer Shooters: Dungeons of Dusk
New Blood Interactive has established a strong reputation in the “boomer shooter” or retro FPS genre with titles like Dusk, Amid Evil, and Ultrakill. These games are known for their retro aesthetics, fast-paced gameplay, and challenging experiences.
However, the company is diversifying its portfolio with Dungeons of Dusk, an RPG adaptation of their popular game Dusk. This project introduces dungeon crawler and RPG elements to the established Dusk universe.
A demo of Dungeons of Dusk is currently available for download via Steam Next Fest, allowing players to experience the game’s potential. The full version of Dungeons of Dusk is scheduled for release this year.
Balancing Profit and Community: A Sustainable Approach
Dave Oshry’s statements highlight the challenges faced by many independent game developers: balancing financial considerations with the desire to serve a diverse fan base. While Steam offers a more financially rewarding path, New Blood Interactive’s commitment to console releases demonstrates their prioritization of accessibility and player satisfaction. Their readiness for the Nintendo Switch 2 further showcases their forward-thinking approach in a rapidly evolving industry. With an expanding portfolio spanning from boomer shooters to RPGs, New Blood Interactive continues to establish itself as an innovative and community-focused publisher in the global gaming market.