“This is just the start” - Housemarque responds to Saros’ slower sales versus Returnal’s, and compares itself to one of the most beloved studios around
Housemarque, the Finnish studio now established as a prestigious PlayStation first-party developer, has responded to Saros posting slower sales compared to its predecessor Returnal. Both games are challenging third-person bullet-hell roguelikes that share similar design philosophy, representing the evolution of Housemarque’s approach to demanding arcade-style experiences.
The studio acknowledged the sales disparity while reaffirming its commitment to its core identity and niche audience. Rather than pursuing mass-market appeal, Housemarque has maintained its focus on precision-demanding games throughout its evolution from smaller arcade titles to larger-scale productions. In its response, the studio compared itself favorably to one of gaming’s most beloved and respected studios.
Housemarque emphasized that Saros represents just the beginning, expressing confidence in the game’s future trajectory and broader direction. The statement reflects the studio’s long-standing philosophy of creating experiences for dedicated players rather than chasing commercial trends. This positioning underscores Housemarque’s established identity within PlayStation’s first-party ecosystem, even as it navigates the challenge of sustaining franchise momentum while remaining true to its specialized design principles and audience.