Saros developer Housemarque is aiming for the stars, or at least the same trajectory as FromSoftware, the creators of Elden Ring. With a 30-year history and a recent acquisition by PlayStation, Housemarque is looking to build on its success with fast-paced, intense shooters like Returnal and Saros. But how does it plan to get there? By following in the footsteps of FromSoftware, of course.
Housemarque's studio head and co-founder, Ilari Kuittinen, acknowledges the studio's unique niche and the slow rise to prominence that FromSoftware experienced. FromSoftware's journey from King's Field to the critically acclaimed Dark Souls trilogy and Bloodborne took decades, and Housemarque is hoping for a similar trajectory.
"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 isn't aiming for the same level of success as FromSoftware, but rather a similar trajectory. "FromSoftware's journey from King's Field to what they are today... We're not presuming that we would be anywhere close to that," Kuittinen continued. "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."
The studio's recent acquisition by PlayStation and the success of Returnal have given Housemarque a boost, and it seems likely that the studio will continue to focus on its strengths in fast-paced, intense shooters. With a 30-year history and a growing fan base, Housemarque is well-positioned to continue its success and build on its unique niche in the gaming industry.
What's next for Housemarque? Only time will tell, but with its recent successes and a clear vision, it seems likely that the studio will continue to thrive and build on its unique style and approach to game development.
