Housemarque, the developer behind the captivating roguelike shooter Saros, is aiming for a similar trajectory to the renowned FromSoftware, the creators of the critically acclaimed Elden Ring. While Housemarque's latest release, Saros, has not yet achieved the same commercial success as FromSoftware's flagship titles, the studio is confident in its unique approach and long-term potential.
In an interview with The Game Business, Housemarque's studio head and co-founder, Ilari Kuittinen, acknowledged the studio's niche focus on fast-paced, intense shooters. He highlighted the importance of building a dedicated fan base over time, drawing inspiration from FromSoftware's journey. FromSoftware's early releases, such as the King's Field series and Armored Core, laid the foundation for their success, but it was the groundbreaking Demon's Souls and its sequels that truly propelled them into the spotlight.
Kuittinen emphasized Housemarque's goal of educating the market about the appeal of their games, particularly the concept of 'flow states'. This approach, he believes, will help establish Housemarque as a leading developer in the industry. While Housemarque is not aiming for the same level of success as FromSoftware, they aspire to create a similar trajectory, gradually building a dedicated fan base.
Housemarque's journey began in 1992, but it was the release of Resogun in 2013 that solidified their identity as a studio. Since then, they have focused on developing highly replayable and challenging shooters, with their first PS5 game, Returnal, receiving critical acclaim and leading to PlayStation's acquisition of the studio in 2021. This acquisition further solidified Housemarque's position in the industry and their potential for future growth.
Looking ahead, Housemarque seems poised to continue its success by leaning into its strengths. By creating more immersive and demanding shooters, they aim to captivate players and build a loyal fan base. The studio's ability to innovate and deliver unique gaming experiences will be crucial in achieving their ambitious goals and establishing themselves as a leading force in the gaming industry.
