David Szymanski, the creative force behind retro-inspired shooter Dusk and the acclaimed horror game Iron Lung, shared insights into his personal PC gaming library and his views on the evolution of the first-person shooter genre. While his formative gaming memories include classics like Lemmings and Oil's Well, it was the immersive exploration of Myst that first captivated him.
Szymanski, known for Dusk's homage to '90s shooters, is currently working on an unannounced isometric game called B.U.G.B.I.T.E., a departure from his previous work. He described his current play as the 2007 FPS Instinct, a title he discovered through a Steam bundle. He characterized Instinct as a simple, slow-paced FPS with a distinct feel, similar to others on the same engine, featuring linear environments and basic zombie-shooting mechanics. "There's something very approachable about it," Szymanski noted, contrasting its simplicity with the diverse FPS landscape of today.
He fondly recalls the mid-2000s as the "golden era of first-person shooters." This period, he explained, predated the homogenization brought about by titles like Call of Duty 4, offering a wide array of experimental designs and mechanics. He cited examples such as Serious Sam, Painkiller, Halo, Half-Life 2, Doom 3, and Far Cry as evidence of this diverse era, distinguishing it from the earlier "silver age" of the '90s and the subsequent "brown age."
Looking back at his gaming history, Szymanski mentioned The Forest as a recent survival crafting experience, acknowledging a growing appreciation for the genre when it includes clear objectives. He also highlighted Pragmata as a potential game of the year, praising it as a rare example of a short, single-player, campaign-driven AAA game with mechanical innovation, noting its similar 20-hour playtime to his usual cutoff for engagement.
When it comes to enduring favorites, Doom holds a special place. Szymanski considers the original Doom to be nearly objectively the best FPS ever made, citing its historical significance and continued relevance. He believes Doom's inherent "chaos in vision and game design" makes it incredibly resilient, capable of accommodating various interpretations, from horror to more lighthearted takes, a quality he likens to the enduring appeal of the Resident Evil franchise.
Infra is another title he refuses to uninstall, describing it as his "comfort game" with a persistent playthrough ongoing. He values its extensive 30-hour length and the detailed, hand-placed environments characteristic of its Source engine origins, noting that its complexity ensures there's always something new to discover even after multiple playthroughs.
Szymanski's most played game on Steam is Counter-Strike 2 (formerly Global Offensive) with 324 hours. Among single-player titles, Elden Ring stands out with 186 hours, a playtime that, while significant for him, places Dark Souls I higher on his personal list of favorites. He expressed a particular enjoyment for Soulslike games, viewing Elden Ring as a comprehensive collection of elements he resonates with.
Outside of gaming, Szymanski relies on GIMP, a free image editor he has used since before becoming a developer, as he has never used Photoshop. He maintains a relatively tidy desktop, though he admits it gradually becomes cluttered with icons and documents, despite his recurring attempts at digital organization.