Housemarque
Housemarque business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Saros PS5 Making Of Video Reveals the Relatable Reason Behind Arjun's Rage
Sony and Housemarque have released the first episode of a behind-the-scenes documentary detailing the making of their PlayStation 5 exclusive game, Saros. The video focuses on lead actor Rahul Kohli and his process of bringing the character Arjun Devraj to life, revealing that a frustrating commute inspired the character's intense voice performance.
Attention Geometry Wars fans! Sektori is one of last year's best arcade shooters, and it's out on Switch 2 today
Sektori, an arcade twin-stick shooter praised for its resemblance to Geometry Wars, has been released on Nintendo Switch. Developed by Kimmo Lahtinen, the game features an upgrade system and dynamic arenas. It was previously released on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S/X in November.
Creating Saros: how performance tech and a bad commute brought Arjun Devraj to life
The development of Saros, a new game from Housemarque, is highlighted through the performance capture process for its protagonist, Arjun Devraj, voiced by Rahul Kohli. Actor Rahul Kohli and director Paul J. Vogel discuss the technical and human aspects of bringing the character to life, with Kohli sharing an anecdote about how a traffic jam helped him discover Arjun's authentic voice. The game is available on PlayStation 5.
Brain-scrambling twin-stick shooter Sektori blazes onto Switch 2 eShop today
The twin-stick shooter Sektori, developed by Kimmo Lahtinen, has launched on the Nintendo Switch 2 eShop for $14.99. Previously acclaimed on PC and PlayStation 5, the game features hyperkinetic gameplay, transforming battlefields, and multiple game modes. Lahtinen, formerly of Housemarque, aimed to create a modern arcade experience with Sektori.
Review: Sektori (Switch 2) - The New King Of Twin-Stick Shooters
Sektori is a new twin-stick shooter for the Nintendo Switch 2 that surpasses Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2 in its genre. Developed by Kimmo Lahtinen, formerly of Housemarque, the game features unique mechanics like the 'strike' move and strategic upgrade systems. Despite a slightly steep learning curve for its mechanics, Sektori offers stellar presentation with a techno soundtrack and smooth 60fps performance, making it a standout release.
Saros Squashes Trophy Bugs and Other Nasty Issues in Latest PS5 Patch, Available Now
Housemarque has released a new patch for Saros on PlayStation 5, addressing various bugs and issues. The update fixes trophy unlock problems, enemies healing outside of combat areas, clipping through elevators, and the Ancient Depths not appearing. HDR output has also been adjusted to reach maximum luminance levels.
Saros is selling worse than Returnal, analyst estimates, as it competes with hits like Crimson Desert and Resident Evil…
Analyst Rhys Elliott estimates that Housemarque's new roguelike, Saros, has sold over 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, generating over $22 million. This performance is considered weaker than its predecessor, Returnal, due to a crowded market of recent blockbuster releases. Elliott suggests Saros may struggle to break even against its reported budget exceeding $76 million.
Saros is off to a slower start than Returnal, with some analysts concerned Housemarque "will struggle to break even"
Despite generally favorable reviews and a smoother difficulty curve than Returnal, Housemarque's new game Saros is experiencing a slower launch. Analysts note that while Saros has sold 300,000 copies and generated over $22 million, its sales pace trails behind Returnal, even with a significantly larger PlayStation 5 install base. Concerns have been raised about the game's ability to break even given its reported $76 million development budget.
Saros PS5 Sales Estimates at 300k, Selling Slower Than Returnal on a Bigger Install Base
Sales estimates from Alinea Analytics suggest that Saros has sold approximately 300,000 copies on PlayStation 5 since its launch two weeks ago. Analyst Rhys Elliot notes that this sales figure may be slower than Returnal's performance, despite the PlayStation 5's significantly larger install base compared to when Returnal was released.
Saros Is Selling Slower Than Returnal
Sony's exclusive game Saros has sold over 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, generating approximately $22 million. Despite the availability of more PlayStation 5 consoles compared to when Returnal launched, Saros is selling at a slower pace due to a more crowded gaming market. The article suggests that while initial sales are soft, word-of-mouth could still boost its long-term performance.
Saros May Struggle To Recoup Its Budget, Despite Great Reviews - Analyst
Despite receiving excellent reviews and being a contender for Game of the Year, Housemarque's Saros may struggle to recoup its reported $76 million development budget due to slower sales compared to its predecessor, Returnal. Analyst Rhys Elliott estimates Saros sold around 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, with a significant portion of players having previously purchased Returnal. The game's performance is being closely watched as an indicator of Sony's strategy for its PlayStation 5 exclusives.
Review – Saros (PS5)
Saros is an intense triple-A roguelike that builds upon the foundation of Returnal, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. The game features stunning visuals, immersive sound design, and exceptional utilization of the PlayStation 5's DualSense controller. While the narrative can occasionally slow the pace, the core gameplay loop and innovative features make it a standout exclusive.
Poll: Is Saros Better Than Returnal?
A poll asks players to compare Saros, the spiritual successor to Returnal, to its predecessor. While Saros refines gameplay and streamlines progression, some players find it less mysterious and more accessible than Returnal. The article discusses Housemarque's evolution from arcade titles to intense third-person shooters with both games.
Single-Player Alternatives to Helldivers 2 (2026) | TAG
This guide recommends seven single-player games that capture the intense combat, mission structure, or cathartic violence found in Helldivers 2, without requiring multiplayer coordination. Titles like Remnant II and Deep Rock Galactic offer similar gameplay loops, while Doom Eternal and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 provide pure shooter catharsis. Returnal and Risk of Rain 2 offer run-based progression, and Metro Exodus provides a more atmospheric, deliberate experience.
Saros Doesn’t Like Being a Roguelike, So Why Is It One?
Saros, the spiritual successor to Housemarque's roguelike hit Returnal, is criticized for shunning its predecessor's genre conventions in an effort to be more approachable. Despite technically featuring roguelike elements like randomized loot and levels, the game is seen as hollowed out due to stunted build variety and a lack of interlocking systems. This departure from its roguelike roots, while aiming for broader appeal, results in a discordant experience that undermines both its gameplay and narrative potential.
Poor Start for PS5 Exclusive Saros as First Sales Data Emerges
Sony's new PlayStation 5 exclusive, Saros, has had a slow start according to its first sales data. The game ranked 11th in North America and 17th in Europe on the PS Store charts for April, and third in the UK physical sales chart. While it is the number one new release on Amazon for PS5 games, its debut is considered weak for a high-profile release.
Säsong 9 slut – dubbla vinnare i FZ High Score!
The ninth season of FZ High Score has concluded, with Minnels and RobertWarrior94 sharing first place with 70 points each, earning them exclusive t-shirts. The season featured reviews for Kiln, Aphelion, and Saros, with Saros receiving the highest average score. Season 10 of FZ High Score is now underway.
Saros Patch is Here, Brings Balancing Changes, Fixes, and New UI Color Settings
Housemarque has released a new patch for their game Saros, introducing several balancing changes and fixes. The update includes adjustments to the Power Generator perk and Powered Dash artifact, improved bullet bounce accuracy, and UI enhancements such as new color settings for the HUD. Minor performance optimizations and bug fixes are also part of this patch.
Here’s how many Acts Saros has, so you can lock in on rolling the credits
The game Saros is structured into three Acts, with eight Biomes and a hub area called The Passage. Completing the third Act unlocks an epilogue that allows players to pursue a secret ending. This guide helps players understand the game's structure and their progress through its narrative.
Finlands humor är vår
Finnish game developers often lean into stereotypes of being stoic and creating challenging games, as seen in titles like Max Payne, Trials HD, and Returnal. However, a distinct sense of dark humor and self-awareness, exemplified by Remedy Entertainment's games, also characterizes their output. This blend of difficulty, dark comedy, and sometimes absurd situations creates a unique and beloved identity for Finnish game development.