Housemarque, the developer behind the critically acclaimed 'Returnal' and the upcoming 'Saros', is aiming for a similar trajectory to FromSoftware, the creators of the immensely popular 'Elden Ring'. While Housemarque's games haven't yet achieved the same commercial success as FromSoftware's titles, the studio is confident in its ability to build a dedicated fan base over time.
In an interview with The Game Business, Housemarque's studio head and co-founder, Ilari Kuittinen, highlighted the long-term success of FromSoftware's journey from 'King's Field' to 'Elden Ring'. Kuittinen noted that FromSoftware's consistent focus on the action RPG genre and its slow rise to prominence is a strategy Housemarque aims to emulate.
"FromSoftware has been doing a similar genre for a very long time and built up its fan base over that period," Kuittinen said. "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.'"
Housemarque, established in 1996, has been in the gaming industry for over 30 years. However, it was only in 2013 with the release of 'Resogun' that the studio truly found its niche in fast-paced, intense shooters. The success of 'Returnal' led to PlayStation's acquisition of Housemarque in 2021, further solidifying the studio's place in the industry.
Looking ahead, Housemarque plans to continue developing highly replayable and difficult shooters, a genre in which it has already found success. While the studio acknowledges that it may not reach the exact heights of FromSoftware, it is confident in its ability to build a dedicated fan base and achieve a similar trajectory over time.
In my opinion, Housemarque's approach to game development is a testament to the power of persistence and a deep understanding of one's audience. By focusing on a niche genre and consistently delivering high-quality games, the studio has not only survived but thrived in a highly competitive industry. As Housemarque continues to innovate and push the boundaries of gaming, it will be fascinating to see how it further solidifies its place in the industry and whether it can indeed achieve a similar level of success to FromSoftware.
