Returnal director will be ‘responsibly ambitious’ to ensure his new studio prospers
Harry Krueger, director of Returnal and Resogun, has founded Cosmic Division, an independent game studio launched in May 2026 with a commitment to creating gameplay-focused experiences. The move follows Krueger’s 15-year tenure at Housemarque, which Sony Interactive Entertainment acquired in 2021.
Krueger told Game Developer that his new venture will operate on a “lean and mean” philosophy while remaining “responsibly ambitious” to ensure the studio’s long-term success. He emphasized his intention to build a “forever studio”—one capable of sustaining itself over time—after learning key lessons during his years at the PlayStation subsidiary.
While Krueger’s vision prioritizes groundbreaking gameplay, the article notes that Cosmic Division may explore the use of generative AI as part of its development approach. This marks an interesting position for an indie studio aiming to compete while maintaining efficiency and creative integrity.
The founding of Cosmic Division represents a notable shift in the gaming industry, with veteran developers increasingly establishing independent studios to pursue gameplay-first design philosophies rather than live-service or monetization-focused models that have become prevalent at larger publishers.