While Returnal made Housemarque a household name, the Finnish studio has been in the industry since 1995. The success of their 2021 roguelike shooter caught PlayStation’s attention, leading to their acquisition. Now, Housemarque CEO Ilari Kuittinen explains the crucial role Sony has played in the studio’s growth over the past four years.

According to Housemarque, PlayStation’s support made their ambitious new project, Saros, possible.

In an interview with Helsingin Sanomat, Kuittinen described the cultural and operational shifts Housemarque has undergone since joining PlayStation. The studio had to adapt to new human resource policies, security protocols, and project oversight standards. However, this transition came with significant financial backing, allowing them to relocate to a new office in Helsinki and expand their production capabilities. “Funding major projects would not have been possible without them,” he emphasized.

PlayStation Wasn’t the Only Interested Buyer

One of the biggest beneficiaries of this investment is Saros, Housemarque’s next title, which began development in 2022 and is currently in active production. While Kuittinen didn’t disclose the exact budget, he noted that it’s likely on a similar scale to Alan Wake 2, which cost around €70 million to develop and market. This marks a significant leap for Housemarque, which prior to the acquisition focused on more modest productions.

Another highlight from the interview was the price Sony paid for Housemarque. While the exact figure remains unknown, tax records suggest that Kuittinen and co-founder Harri Tikkanen each received €9.8 million in capital income in 2022. Meanwhile, the studio’s revenue skyrocketed from €8.9 million in 2020 to €21.8 million in 2024.

Interestingly, PlayStation wasn’t the only company interested in acquiring Housemarque. The Finnish developer reportedly had another potential buyer in negotiations. However, Sony’s offer proved the most attractive, and with Housemarque’s continued success, it seems to have been a smart investment.

Source: 3DJuegos