Housemarque Seeks Growth Trajectory Similar to FromSoftware
Housemarque, the studio behind games like Saros and Returnal, has expressed its ambition to follow a growth path similar to that of FromSoftware, the acclaimed developer of Elden Ring. Studio head Ilari Kuittinen noted that Housemarque's games tend to find their audience over an extended period rather than achieving immediate commercial success. The team aims to maintain its core genre and continue educating the market about its unique style of games, drawing parallels to FromSoftware's decades-long rise to prominence.
Housemarque, the developer responsible for games such as Saros and Returnal, is aspiring to emulate the long-term growth trajectory seen with FromSoftware, the studio known for Elden Ring.
In a recent interview, Housemarque leaders acknowledged that their titles have not always achieved the same immediate commercial success as some other first-party PlayStation games. However, they believe their games attract a dedicated audience over time rather than solely at launch. Studio head and co-founder Ilari Kuittinen highlighted that Housemarque operates within its own niche, a strategy that has proven successful for studios like FromSoftware.
FromSoftware, established in 1986, initially focused on business software before releasing its first action RPG, King's Field, in 1994. The studio developed numerous action RPGs and its long-running Armored Core series throughout the late 1990s and 2000s. Its breakthrough came with 2009's Demon's Souls and the subsequent Dark Souls trilogy, which paved the way for the critically and commercially successful Bloodborne and Elden Ring. This trajectory saw FromSoftware become a household name among gamers decades after its inception.
Kuittinen stated that FromSoftware has consistently worked within a similar genre for a significant period, allowing it to build a loyal fanbase. He noted, "We have two unique games out. Returnal, Saros. It's kind of a new thing that you need to educate the market about, so that people say, 'Hey, these flow states are really cool.'"
While Housemarque does not expect to match FromSoftware's exact scale, it hopes for a similar long-term development. Kuittinen added, "But, [like FromSoftware], we will keep our core, keep educating the market that these are the coolest games you can play. That's our goal."
Housemarque has been active for approximately 30 years, significantly finding its distinct voice with the 2013 title Resogun. Since then, the studio has concentrated on fast-paced, intense shooters, which have garnered critical acclaim. The success of Returnal, its first PlayStation 5 game, led to PlayStation acquiring Housemarque in 2021. The studio is expected to continue focusing on highly replayable and challenging shooters.
(Source: IGN)
