Samurai Punk

Samurai Punk is an independent video game company from Melbourne, Australia, known for experimental mechanics, satirical concepts and original games spanning PC, console and virtual reality. Founded in early 2014 by Nicholas McDonnell and Winston Tang, the studio developed a varied catalog before ending active development in November 2023. It now maintains its existing releases in legacy support mode, with no new projects in production.

The founders began collaborating on game jam prototypes, including Samurai XX, before establishing the company. Their subsequent work explored how unusual rules and perspectives could shape familiar genres, from competitive shooters to ambient exploration and comedy stealth games.

Games built around unusual ideas

The studio's breakout release, Screencheat, arrived in 2014. Its split-screen multiplayer matches make every player invisible, requiring competitors to watch their opponents' screens to locate them. Screencheat: Unplugged later brought a remastered version of that concept to Nintendo Switch.

The American Dream used virtual reality comedy to satirize American gun culture, while Feather offered a quieter experience built around bird flight and exploration. Roombo: First Blood and its successor, JUSTICE SUCKS: Tactical Vacuum Action, turned a robotic vacuum cleaner into the protagonist of comedy stealth-action games. The studio also developed the minimalist number-puzzle game TRIOS and the fast-paced movement shooter KILLBUG.

Development and continuing support

During its production years, Samurai Punk handled game design, art and programming, alongside multiplatform porting, platform optimization, co-development and technical advisory work. Its releases reached desktop, console, mobile and VR platforms, reflecting a development history that crossed several formats rather than remaining within one genre or device category.

On November 10, 2023, the founders announced the cessation of active development after nearly a decade in business. The company subsequently entered a maintenance phase focused on keeping its existing library available, supporting multiplayer connectivity and maintaining digital storefront listings. Its website continues to serve as an archival catalog and support hub.