Housemarque, the Finnish developer that has long been a trusted partner of Sony, has now officially become a first‑party studio under the PlayStation banner, following the release of its latest title after the company’s acquisition in 2021.
While Housemarque’s collaboration with Sony dates back to the PS3 era, it wasn’t until the success of Returnal that the studio was formally incorporated into the PlayStation family, cementing its status as a core developer.
Founded in 1993, Housemarque has expanded significantly under Sony’s stewardship, boasting a workforce of 120 employees, according to The Game Business.
Although still modest by AAA standards, the team’s size has tripled since the release of Nex Machina on the PS4 a decade ago, and the studio relied on Nixxes’ support to bring Saros to market.
Will the studio’s forthcoming title mirror the ambitious scale of Saros? Not quite—co‑founder Ilari Kuittinen suggests the team might be eyeing a more modest venture.
Kuittinen explained that the studio is currently deliberating Saros’s trajectory while engaging the community. He added that future prospects could involve projects that don’t match Saros’s magnitude, and that the team is eager to investigate a range of possibilities to determine their feasibility.
With no concrete roadmap yet, speculation swirls—could the studio pivot to a classic arcade‑style title reminiscent of Super Stardust HD or Resogun?
In an age saturated with indie releases, fitting such a venture into PlayStation’s lineup seems challenging, yet the studio may be looking to broaden its creative horizons while laying groundwork for future endeavors.
Recent waves of layoffs across the gaming sector have sparked widespread unease among players, who worry about the long‑term viability of their beloved studios. The situation is especially dire for Saros, which is currently grappling with sluggish sales and uncertain prospects.
In a statement aimed at reassuring the community, Saros emphasized its commitment to delivering standout titles. “We will preserve our core focus and continue to educate the market that these are the coolest games you can play,” the company declared. “That’s our goal.”
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does Housemarque becoming a first‑party studio under Sony mean for the PlayStation ecosystem?
Housemarque’s formal integration as a first‑party studio signals that Sony trusts the studio’s creative vision and wants it to contribute more directly to PlayStation’s flagship lineup. It also means Housemarque will have greater access to Sony’s resources, support, and marketing, potentially accelerating the launch of future high‑profile exclusives.
Will Housemarque’s next PS5 title match the scale and ambition of Saros?
According to co‑founder Ilari Kuittinen, the studio is leaning toward a more modest project for its next release. While Housemarque is still exploring possibilities, the upcoming title is expected to be smaller in scope than Saros, allowing the team to experiment with a range of ideas.
How has Housemarque’s workforce evolved since its founding and under Sony’s stewardship?
Founded in 1993, Housemarque has grown to about 120 employees, a three‑fold increase since the release of Nex Machina on the PS4 a decade ago. This growth reflects the studio’s expansion under Sony’s support, though it remains modest compared to typical AAA studios.
News Source: Pushsquare
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