Housemarque, the studio behind games like Resogun, Returnal, and Saros, is known for creating challenging, action-packed experiences. In a recent interview with The Game Business, Housemarque’s CEO Ilari Kuittinen and brand director Mikael Haveri discussed how they’ve been inspired by FromSoftware – the developers who successfully brought difficult RPGs to a wider audience.
Both experts observed that Housemarque, like FromSoftware, aimed to help players understand the types of games they create, though perhaps not to the same extent as FromSoftware. The team behind Saros wanted to give players a better sense of their game design philosophy.
According to Kuittinen, FromSoftware has established a loyal fanbase over years of creating similar games. Housemarque, with only two unique titles – Returnal and Saros – faces the challenge of introducing something new and educating players about its innovative ‘flow state’ gameplay. The goal is for people to recognize and appreciate these engaging experiences.
We don’t expect to reach the same level of success as FromSoftware – they started with King’s Field and built an incredible legacy. However, like them, we plan to stay true to what makes our games special and continue showing players why they’re so fun. That’s what we’re aiming for.
“We will get there step by step,” added Haveri.
Haveri explained that while Saros hasn’t had massive sales since launching in April, it’s an important first step in building a relationship with players. He noted that those who have played the game can see its potential and expressed hope they will continue to update and improve it over time.
He explained that Returnal didn’t immediately become popular. It gained momentum after players had a chance to really explore and unlock its features, and that excitement then spread to a wider audience.
Kuittinen talked about how Housemarque has grown, from a team of around 40-50 people while making Nex Machina to a team of almost 120 today. He explained that this growth meant learning how to create larger, more ambitious games, and overcoming the challenges that come with a bigger organization.
Switching to developing one large game at a time with a bigger team has been a significant adjustment for the studio. We’re learning how to create these more expansive experiences and manage the process effectively. Fortunately, we tend to hire people who already appreciate our design style and share our vision.
Saros launched on PlayStation 5 earlier this year. You can read our full review for a deeper look at the game. According to data from Housemarque, players had experienced over 13 million deaths and defeated bosses 3.08 million times by the end of May. The Smart Rifle proved to be the most frequently used weapon.
To see how Saros compares to Returnal, read the developer’s explanation of their goal to make Saros easier for players to pick up and enjoy.
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2026-06-17 17:42