Since their smash hit RESOGUN for the PS4 last year at launch, development team Housemarque Studios has been busy bringing new experiences to the world. What exactly have they been working on? Well, read on to find out more about their decision to bring Outland to PC (released this week!) and the early development process of their upcoming 2015 PS4 exclusive Alienation, a spiritual successor to Dead Nation. Let’s go!
Today marks a significant moment for the Housemarque community, as Game Director Harry Krueger announced his decision to move forward after a dedicated 14-year tenure.
"Departing from Housemarque was a very difficult decision for me, but I’m leaving the company with nothing but deep gratitude for the past, and a glowing optimism for the future - with an exciting new project in the works, a fantastic team that’s stronger than ever, and the continuous support of Sony and Playstation Studios, I know that Housemarque’s brightest chapter has yet to be written", shared Krueger.
More talent leaving Playstation studios. Is the recent GAAS focus related? Problems in the House of Playstation?
Whishful thinking?
"I’m leaving the company with nothing but deep gratitude for the past, and a glowing optimism for the future - with an exciting new project in the works, a fantastic team that’s stronger than ever, and the continuous support of Sony and Playstation Studios, I know that Housemarque’s brightest chapter has yet to be written."
nah, just speculation based on the fact that many key figures have left Sony in recent times.
Without a doubt, it could be that everything is under control and the Playstation studios are working at maximum efficiency... or maybe not. Care to give me some approval? I fixed the description.
Edit: thank you.
This comment is silly. Of course, he not going to say nothing negative on his way out. Employees on the upper level rarely do but it odd for him to leave now. Especially when he was acquired by Sony and his new title they are working on would be the highest budget game he ever worked on. It clear there is artistic clashes going on. Sony probably is forcing Housemarque to make a GAAS or some typical Cinematic game.
Gotta love how the fanboys rush in to try to give their hot take before anything is even known about why he's leaving... He could just be moving on from gaming in general, focusing on his family, could be any number of reasons why he's leaving, but of course, "It's GaaS"! (even though Sony just sacked their former PS boss over that). Nothing short of ridiculous.
@ Mika, no YOUR comment is silly. You reckon of course he's not going to say anything negative on the way out. That doesn't mean he has compliment and praise Sony either. He could have made that whole statement without saying "the continuous support of Sony and Playstation Studios" and it wouldn't have been negative. The fact that he did feel the need to say that blows holes in your cute little theory.
They make great games!!! Resogun Alienation Dead Nation Matterfall Returnal.. hit after another!!
Could be.
There are rumours on Reddit that Housemarque were being forced to be a support studio to that Haven studio GaaS game to get it up and running faster. Whatever they were working likely got put on hold or cancelled so he left.
"Likely got put on hold or canceled" yet he specifies that they're working on their biggest project ever as he departs the company... blowing a hole in your baseless speculation.
I know y'all are desperate for a W, but this is getting sad.
15 years at a company is a long time. Do you know anything about the corporate world? People leave companies for MANY reasons beyond hating their employers, I see it weekly.
Anytime anyone wants to expand their horizons or go to a different company people think there’s trouble. These things are works in progress. This guy didn’t just randomly up and leave.
Yup, They keep saying Playstation “gaas focus” when Playstation very distinctly said they were going to do what they have always done and make gaas games on top of it. Meanwhile MS has been all gaas.
"the continuous support of Sony and Playstation Studios". If I was a disgruntled employee forced to leave due to pressure from Playstation's direction, I sure as hell wouldn't feel the need to put that in my statement. Don't you think?
For several weeks, every week we got news regarding people either leaving or getting fired from Playstation Studios.
Since Ryan got fired, things only got worse.
There´s definitely something going on at SIE and this Totoki guy apparently is not helping and steering the ship.
Playstation needs a good replacement for Ryan as soon as possible.
Adorable how you attempt and struggle so greatly to speak on things you know nothing about.
So many high profile employees running away from Xbox lately, maybe stick to that. Seems more your speed.
10 days ago:
A veteran of the company, Samwise Didier, left Blizzard after 30 years of work
https://www.aroged.com/2023...
Nexus you make a good point. Ppl at all three console companies are like a revolving door. It's best to just wish well the ppl leaving and worry about doom and gloom when there's actually proof of it
@nyxus also pete hines from bethesda also leaving after 24 years. Whats the problem here?
He *will* retire in March 2024, and still got demoted from his position as CEO of Playstation last month. He no longer calls any shots as Hiroki Totoki took over his role.
So yeah, he got fired.
@Obscure_observer no he announced his retirement and ceded decision making to the man that will be succeeding him for a year or so whilst they determine who will takeover permanently. This makes sense because why have someone who is tying up loose ends and leaves in 4 months time be making big decisions about stuff 6,12, 24 months away? It's not evidence he got fired.
They don't. Peoples journeys in life aren't all work at the same company for 30 years. That's not a thing for most people.
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While personal preference can undoubtedly play a part, allowing studios like Santa Monica, Insomniac and Sucker Punch to take any given fan’s top spot, the numbers supporting Naughty Dog do anything but lie. They’re the best, and you have to deal with it.
The top 5 are correct but in the wrong order IMO.
1. Naughty Dog (Top-tier dev in the industry for story, technology, acting, graphics, and gameplay)
2. Santa Monica (They're in their Naughty Dog top-tier era)
3. Insomniac (unrivaled AAA / blockbuster quantity and quality)
4. Guerilla (4 & 5 can swap places, both are equals IMO, great studios with new hit IPs)
5. Sucker Punch (4 & 5 can swap places, both are equals IMO, great studios with new hit IPs)
6. BluePoint (best remakes and remasters in the industry, just need to make their own "new game")
7. Polyphony (Hasn't evolved as much as the other 5, but still a good overall dev)
8. Sony Bend (they need a few more AAA games under their belt to rival GG / SP)
9. Hosmarque (indie dev turned AA, on the path to becoming AAA)
10. Media Molecule / San Diego Studio / Team Asobi (I wouldn't put any of these 3 above the other. MM has pushed creativity for a PS game to the limits with LBP and Dreams. San Diego mainly does MLB, but also has some good ports under their belt. Team Asobi and AStro are hits)
Returnal’s narrative designer explains how development of PS5’s hardest blockbuster shaped the studio’s future.
These guys made some great shooters over many years, so it's well-deserved that Sony backed them the way they did.
Returnal is a great game and it's only got better since launch.
One of my favourite games full stop. Just a shame it is over for me. Takes too long in the tower to get close to my best score, so want to invest that time elsewhere.
"[...] to go even wilder."
Wonder what could be wilder than Returnal? The premise, just by itself, is pretty damn wild.
Super stardust is still my favorite. And a great reboot of the series in the process.
That’s wonderful to hear! I liked Returnal, my fiancé enjoys it more than I do, which is great, money well spent! And hearing this, that makes me happy and excited to know Sony (as they do with their devs, proven fact) are allowing their studios and those having worked with Sony to continue creating the games they want and evolve even further the visions and gameplay innovations they can only imagine and bring them to light.
All the best, Housemarque!🙏🏼
I cannot wait for them to make their next game. I’m so glad they got funding to push them to AAA.
Returnal rulez 🤙
