‘I try to play as a completionist and leave no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled’: Returnal director Harry Krueger talks Deus Ex, Resident Evil, and the arcade classic that inspired Housemarque’s best games
PC Gamer’s Disk Cleanup feature profiles Returnal director Harry Krueger, exploring his gaming history and the titles that shaped his approach to game design. Though Krueger didn’t engage with PC gaming until early adulthood, the release of Quake 3: Arena proved transformative, converting him from a non-gamer into an enthusiast almost overnight. This pivotal moment led him to set up local area network (LAN) parties with friends in Greece, where they gathered to compete in competitive multiplayer sessions of Quake 3: Arena alongside other titles like Tiberian Sun and Red Alert.
The interview examines Krueger’s completionist playstyle—a philosophy that extends to leaving “no stone unturned and no enemy unkilled.” Beyond discussing his formative PC gaming experiences, Krueger reflects on other significant influences on his game design philosophy, including classic franchises like Deus Ex and Resident Evil, as well as arcade classics that have informed Housemarque’s approach to game development. The discussion provides insight into how these varied gaming experiences have collectively shaped his creative vision for Returnal and other projects at the studio.