Returnal
News, coverage and analysis tracking Returnal across the outlets.
Latest coverage
New Studio Led By Returnal Director, Cosmic Division, Hopes To "Make a Lasting Impact"
Harry Krueger, the director of Returnal, has launched a new independent studio called Cosmic Division after 14 years at Housemarque Studio. The new company aims to create impactful, gameplay-first single-player titles for PC and consoles, building on Krueger's previous successes while exploring fresh creative directions.
'We're Not Standing Still': Returnal Director Forms New Studio to Make Games That Trust You
Harry Krueger, director of Returnal and a 14-year Housemarque veteran, has founded a new studio called Cosmic Division. The company is already working on its first project, a single-player, gameplay-first experience with a strong emotional story, planned for PC and consoles. Cosmic Division has secured initial funding and is seeking further investment and talent.
Former Housemarque game director launches new studio Cosmic Division
Former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger has launched a new independent studio named Cosmic Division. The Finnish studio aims to develop a new single-player intellectual property for PC and consoles, emphasizing a gameplay-first experience and emotional storytelling. Cosmic Division has secured seed financing and is actively hiring to build a compact team.
Returnal director and Housemarque veteran Harry Krueger launches Finland-based game studio Cosmic Division
Returnal game director Harry Krueger has launched a new independent game studio in Finland called Cosmic Division. The studio, founded by veterans from Housemarque, will focus on creating ambitious, gameplay-first single-player experiences with a strong sense of mystery and immersion. Their first project, a new intellectual property targeting consoles and PC, is expected to celebrate the studio's heritage and deliver impactful stories.
Former Housemarque director Harry Krueger establishes game studio Cosmic Division
Former Housemarque director Harry Krueger, known for his work on Returnal and Nex Machina, has established a new game studio named Cosmic Division. Krueger departed Housemarque in 2023 after a 14-year tenure.
Former Housemarque Game Director Harry Krueger launches new game studio
Former Housemarque Game Director Harry Krueger has launched a new game studio named Cosmic Division in Finland. Krueger, known for his work on titles like Returnal, aims to build on his experience with a focus on gameplay-first experiences and strong emotional resonance for their first project, a single-player PC and console title.
Returnal Director Founds New Studio, First Project Will be “Unapologetically Gameplay First”
Harry Krueger, the director of Returnal, has founded a new studio called Cosmic Division in Finland. The studio's first project will be a single-player, gameplay-first new intellectual property for PC and consoles, aiming for strong emotional resonance. Krueger previously worked on games like Resogun and Nex Machina at Housemarque, and his latest project there, Saros, received a 9 out of 10 review.
"It's been a while since Mass Effect 2 and 3" – Hasbro boss says "there's a big need in the marketplace" for a BioWare-esque space RPG and Exodus is ready to fill it
Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks believes their upcoming space RPG, Exodus, will fill a market gap left since games like Mass Effect 2 and 3. He stated that the game, which is described as 'D&D in space,' is designed to capture the essence of character-driven, multi-faceted narratives that have been missing from the genre. Cocks expressed confidence in the project's development, with a planned release in 2027.
Sony Is Done Putting Single-Player Games on Steam
Sony's CEO has confirmed that single-player PlayStation games will no longer be released on Steam. This marks a shift from the previous strategy of porting titles like God of War and Marvel's Spider-Man to PC months after their console launch. The company believes maintaining platform exclusivity for its first-party titles is crucial for its hardware business.
Shelve your hopes to play Ghost of Yōtei or Saros on PC, as PlayStation boss reportedly confirms plan to stop porting narrative-driven singleplayer games
PlayStation Studios CEO Hermen Hulst has reportedly confirmed that the company plans to cease porting its narrative-driven singleplayer games to PC. This decision means titles like Ghost of Yōtei, Saros, and Marvel's Wolverine will likely remain PlayStation exclusives. While some previously announced PC versions will still release, this marks a significant shift in PlayStation's strategy regarding PC releases.
PlayStation reportedly confirms end of PC support for major single-player games as CEO commits to console exclusivity
PlayStation Studios CEO Hermen Hulst has reportedly confirmed that major single-player narrative games will now remain exclusive to PlayStation consoles, ending the practice of releasing them on PC. This new strategy means titles like God of War and Marvel's Spider-Man will not be ported to PC after their console debut. While some multiplayer or independently published titles may still see PC releases, the company is prioritizing its console hardware for its flagship single-player experiences.
Saros Protagonist’s Actor Says He Found His Voice by Getting Mad While Stuck in Traffic
Actor Rahul Kohli revealed that a frustrating traffic jam in Los Angeles helped him discover the intense voice for Saros protagonist Arjun Devraj. Director Paul J. Vogel commented on the unpredictable nature of creative storytelling, while Kohli also shared his initial discomfort with performance capture suits and advice received from Troy Baker.
"Sometimes all it really takes is one very bad commute" - the Saros team reveal the surprising origins of Arjun's angry delivery
Actor Rahul Kohli revealed that the distinctive angry voice for Saros protagonist Arjun Devraj was born out of a frustrating commute to a recording session. This anecdote is part of Housemarque's behind-the-scenes documentary series about the game's development. Despite critical acclaim, Saros' launch sales reportedly did not match that of Returnal.
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.
