Housemarque Aspires to Follow FromSoftware's Path of Growth

Housemarque, the developer behind Saros, is aiming for a long-term trajectory similar to that of FromSoftware, the creator of Elden Ring. In an interview with The Game Business, the studio discussed its ambitions, acknowledging that Saros hasn't achieved the same commercial success as other first-party PlayStation titles. However, they believe their games build an audience over time rather than exploding at launch.

Housemarque recognizes its niche but sees how that approach has worked for FromSoftware. Founded in 1986 and initially focused on business software, FromSoftware released its first action RPG, King's Field, in 1994 on the original PlayStation. After two more King's Field games, the studio established the long-running mecha series Armored Core and developed various action RPGs through the late '90s and 2000s. But it was 2009's Demon's Souls and the Dark Souls trilogy that became breakout hits, setting the stage for Bloodborne and Elden Ring. FromSoftware's rise was gradual, taking decades to become a household name among gamers.

"FromSoftware has been doing a similar genre for a very long time and built up its fan base over that period," said Housemarque studio head and co-founder Ilari Kuittinen. "We have two unique games out: Returnal and Saros. It's a new thing that we need to educate the market about, so people say, 'Hey, these flow states are really cool.'"

Housemarque isn't claiming it will reach FromSoftware's heights, but hopes for a similar long-term trajectory. "FromSoftware's journey from King's Field to what it is 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."

Housemarque has been around for 30 years but only found its voice in 2013 with Resogun. Since then, it has focused on fast-paced, intense shooters that have received critical praise. The success of its first PS5 game, Returnal, led to PlayStation acquiring Housemarque in 2021. While it's unclear what's next, the studio seems committed to its strengths: highly replayable and challenging shooters.