“Tarkov Broke the Industry”: Dev Slams Extraction Shooter Craze Taking Over Gaming

Escape from Tarkov has been a major hit in the gaming world for nearly 10 years. Since its early days, it has become one of the most popular “extraction shooters” ever made. Many players love it, and other game studios have tried to copy its style, creating a wave of similar games.

But not everyone is happy about this trend.

Dave Oshry, co-founder of New Blood Interactive, shared his strong opinion on the matter during a recent podcast called Quad Damage.

Oshry’s studio is behind games like Dusk and Rise of the Triad. While talking about the current state of video games, he didn’t hold back when it came to the topic of extraction shooters.

“Tarkov has done irreparable fing damage to the games industry,” Oshry said.
“Everything needs to be a fing – what are they called – extraction shooter.”

Oshry was reacting to the growing number of games in this genre. He pointed out that FromSoftware, known for making tough and creative games, is also joining in with The Duskbloods, a new multiplayer game that mixes player-versus-player and player-versus-environment (PvPvE) gameplay.

Although The Duskbloods isn’t exactly an extraction shooter, it has elements that feel similar.

This wave of extraction-style games reminds many people of the battle royale boom a few years ago. Back then, it felt like every game company was trying to make the next Fortnite or PUBG. Now, the same thing seems to be happening with extraction shooters, and Oshry is tired of it. “I just like regular-ass games, but I’m old, I get it,” he added.
“I’m not the target audience for these games anymore.”

More and more developers are making these types of games. Recently, Bungie (creators of Destiny) revealed Marathon, an upcoming extraction shooter they say will be the most accessible one yet. In 2024, another game called Gray Zone Warfare came out, offering a large, open-world FPS with tactical and extraction features.

Why are these games so popular? It’s because of the excitement and tension they create. In an extraction shooter, players enter a dangerous map, collect loot, and try to escape without getting killed. It’s risky, intense, and full of surprises.

One good run can be thrilling, while one bad move can ruin everything. That mix of danger and reward keeps players coming back for more.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments below!