Many people are beginning to wonder whether Sony will react when Xbox Game Studios started acquiring a bunch of new development studios a few years ago. One of the most popular theories is that the Japanese company negotiated with Housemarque. This is why I have to ask if the Finnish studio would consider doing this. Earlier this year I interviewed their marketing director Mikael Haveri, and now we know why Sony would ask us not to share their answers.
Because Sony finally confirmed that Housemarque will join PlayStation Studios as a first-party developer. Considering that the two companies have been very close since “Super Stardust HD” came out in 2007, the result is not surprising. The critical success of “Death Returns” also had a positive impact on the relationship. Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder and managing director of Housemarque, said:
“Today is an important day for Housemarque, which has been in the making for 26 years. Our strong partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment began with the “Super Stardust HD” on PS3. Since then, we have provided all PlayStation The platform has produced arcade-style games. There is also “Death Return” on PS5, which is our latest work. Our biggest attempt to third-person action games has consolidated our voice and brand in the industry, providing unique and High-quality player experience.
We are very happy to finally join the PlayStation Studios family! This provides our studio with a clear future and a stable opportunity to continue to provide gameplay-centric methods, while still trying new narrative delivery methods and pushing the boundaries of this modern art form. Here in Helsinki, this also means that we will officially expand the PlayStation series into a growing industry center and ensure that Finland’s oldest game studio can be passed on.
Finally, what does this mean for our fans? We at Housemarque are also gamers, and we have developed from the need to improve and fix the game that we think is the most attractive. We are famous for not avoiding our own way and trying new combinations. With the support of SIE and their studio family, we can truly grow our position in the industry and show what Housemarque can create without restriction. We can’t wait to show you the exciting content of the next few years, and hope to usher in more lasting memories and exciting games in the next 25 years and beyond. “