Returnal Developer Housemarque Joins Sony’s PlayStation Studios

Housemarque, the Finnish developer behind the critically acclaimed Super Stardust HD and Resogun, is to become a Sony first-party developer.

A number of Sony’s previous games have used the Unreal Engine, so it’s no surprise that the PlayStation 4-exclusive “God of War: Ascension” is using the same technology. But where the latest God of War game was published by Sony, the new title on the PlayStation Vita is being developed for a Sony-owned studio. “Returnal Developer Housemarque”, who developed the futuristic shooter “Super Stardust Delta”, has joined Sony-owned “PlayStation Studios”, led by Japan-based “Aquanaut” designer David Jaffe, to produce a new project.

Game developer Housemarque, best known for their PlayStation 2 platformer shooter Resogun, are joining forces with Sony, to create a new game studio. The new studio, named “Housemarque House of Monsters”, will be based in Helsinki, Finland.

Home News Developer Returnal Housemarque is joining Sony’s PlayStation Studios.

PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst has announced that Finnish developer Housemarque has joined Sony PlayStation Studios as an exclusive studio.

To speak with Mr. Halst

I’m delighted to welcome a new member to the PlayStation Studios family! I’ve been a fan of Housemarque since the studio’s early days, when they introduced Super Stardust HD to PlayStation fans. Housemarque’s recent release of Returnal proves that the studio has an incredible vision and is capable of creating new and memorable games that our community enjoys. This addition expands the creativity of PlayStation Studios, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Housemarque.

Quote from Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder and CEO of Housemarque

Today is an important day for Housemarque, which we have been preparing for over 26 years. Our close collaboration with Sony Interactive Entertainment began with Super Stardust HD for PS3, and since then we have developed arcade games for all PlayStation platforms. Returnal for PS5, our latest release, our biggest newcomer to third-person action games, has solidified our voice and our brand in the industry by providing a unique, high-quality gaming experience.

We’re very excited to finally be part of the PlayStation Studios family! This gives our studio a clear future and a stable way to continue implementing game-based approaches, but also to experiment with new ways of telling stories and pushing the boundaries of this modern art form. In Helsinki, it also means that the PlayStation family is officially expanding into the growing centre of the industry, perpetuating the legacy of Finland’s oldest game studio.

And finally, what does this mean for our fans? At Housemarque, we are gamers, and we were born out of a need to improve and tinker with the aspects of games we find most fascinating. We are also known for not being afraid to teach our own courses and try new combinations. With the support of YOU and the studio family behind us, we can truly take our place in the industry and show that Housemarque can be limitless in its creativity. We can’t wait to show everyone what’s in store for us in the coming years, and we look forward to providing even more memorable memories and exciting matches over the next quarter century and beyond.

About the author

 Housemarque has been around for more than a decade, but they don’t call themselves a game developer for no reason. The team’s games have been critically acclaimed, and they’ve even been nominated for a few awards. However, they’re perhaps best known for their work on the first two “Super Stardust” games.. Read more about bluepoint games and let us know what you think.

Greg Baskerville
Greg Baskerville
Gaming Blogger & Musician. Playing games since the Amiga days in the 1980's, and a handy guitarist.

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