By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close
PlayStation Acquires Returnal Developer Housemarque

PlayStation Acquires Returnal Developer Housemarque - News

by William D'Angelo , posted on 29 June 2021 / 1,990 Views

Sony Interactive Entertainment announced it has acquired Returnal developer and long-time PlayStation partner Housemarque. The studio has developed eight exclusive games for PlayStation consoles. 

"Housemarque has flexed its creative palette on a wide range of PlayStation games over the years that have continually showcased the power of our hardware," said Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan.

"The addition of Housemarque to PlayStation Studios reiterates our commitment to elevating the best development teams in the industry and delivering new experiences that can only be found on the PlayStation platform."

PlayStation Acquires Returnal Developer Housemarque

Head of PlayStation Studios Hermen Hulst added, "With a proven track record of creating original games that feature best-in-class gameplay, Housemarque is a highly-accomplished studio and we couldn’t be more thrilled to officially welcome them to the PlayStation Studios family.

"With its gripping gameplay, haunting story and unforgiving world, Returnal has captivated the PlayStation audience and we’re looking forward to working alongside the team to bring to life their ambitious creative vision on future projects."

Housemarque Co-founder and Managing Director Ilari Kuittinen added, "After more than 15 years of successfully collaborating, we’re excited to amplify our potential even further and join PlayStation Studios. 

"Returnal is a testament to our strong relationship with PlayStation Studios and the organization believing in us to take a risk and give us the freedom to explore our creativity and develop something unique.  We can’t wait to bring PlayStation fans more fresh, new experiences."

PlayStation Acquires Returnal Developer Housemarque

Kuittinen via the PlayStation Blog released a longer message: "Today is a big day for Housemarque and it has been over 26 years in the making. Our strong partnership with Sony Interactive Entertainment started with Super Stardust HD on PS3 and since then we have made arcade inspired games for all of the PlayStation platforms. With Returnal for PS5, our most recent release, our biggest foray into third-person action gaming solidified our voice and brand in the industry as delivering unique and quality player experiences.

"We are so excited to finally join the PlayStation Studios family! This gives our studio a clear future and a stable opportunity to continue delivering on gameplay centric approaches, while still experimenting with new methods of narrative delivery and pushing the boundaries of this modern artform. Locally here in Helsinki, this also means that we will officially expand the PlayStation family to a growing industry hub and secure the legacy of the oldest game studio in Finland.

"Finally, what this means for our fans? We at Housemarque are gamers, and we have grown from the need to perfect and tinker with facets of games that we have found most fascinating. We are also not known for shying away from running our own course and trying out new combinations. With the backing of SIE and its family of studios supporting us, we can truly grow into our place in the industry and show what Housemarque can create with no limitations. We can’t wait to show everyone what will be in store in the upcoming years, and we hope to usher in more lasting memories and exhilarating titles for the next quarter century and beyond."


A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.


More Articles

5 Comments
No_Name_Needed (on 29 June 2021)

Not surprising, they've done good work for PlayStation over the years.

  • +8
VAMatt (on 29 June 2021)

To the surprise of exactly zero people....

  • +6
Rafie (on 29 June 2021)

About TIME BABY!!!!! Was waiting forever on this. Glad they added them to the every growing roster of great talent.

  • +3
pitzy272 Rafie (on 29 June 2021)

Yep! Dumb as it is, this news made my day. Returnal took HM from a studio I liked to now one of my favorite developers. Can’t wait to see them grow into one of Sony’s top developers. I truly think they will.

  • +2
fauzman (on 29 June 2021)

Great. I guess sales of Returnalvmust have been pretty good for this to happen.

  • +1