Housemarque Aims for a Growth Journey Like FromSoftware’s

Housemarque, the developer behind the intriguing game Saros, is aiming high! They’re looking to chart a course for growth similar to that of FromSoftware, the minds behind the mega-hit Elden Ring. In a recent chat with The Game Business, the Housemarque team opened up about their ambitions and the road ahead.

They recognize that Saros hasn’t enjoyed the same commercial success as other big PlayStation titles, but they believe that their games find their groove and audience over time, rather than just hitting it big right at launch. While they know they operate within a specific niche, they admire how FromSoftware cultivated a loyal fanbase through persistence and unique offerings.

Founded way back in 1986, Housemarque has seen it all—from its early days in business software to developing standout action RPGs. Their journey mirrors that of FromSoftware, who kicked things off with King’s Field on the original PlayStation in 1994, leading to iconic titles like the Dark Souls series and, of course, the critically acclaimed Bloodborne and Elden Ring. It took a while for FromSoftware to hit the big leagues of gaming, proving that success often comes to those who are patient.

Housemarque’s co-founder Ilari Kuittinen noted, “FromSoftware has been in this game for a long time, building a solid fanbase along the way.” He emphasized that while they have only two unique titles so far—Returnal and Saros—they are excited about the new gaming experiences they offer and are committed to educating players about their unique gameplay styles.

While Housemarque isn’t claiming they’ll reach the same heights as FromSoftware, they are optimistic about their long-term journey. Kuittinen explained, “We’re not assuming we’ll get anywhere near where they are, but our goal is to maintain our core vision and show players why these games are so cool.”

Having been around for three decades, Housemarque really found its flair in 2013 with the release of Resogun. Since then, they’ve focused on creating fast-paced, challenging shooters that have won the hearts of gamers and critics alike. Their success with Returnal, which was the first PS5 game from the studio, even led to PlayStation acquiring Housemarque in 2021.

As for what the future holds? It looks like Housemarque is all set to continue crafting highly replayable and tough-as-nails shooters that keep players coming back for more. Exciting times are ahead for fans of their games!