Housemarque Hints Its Next PS5 Game Could Be Smaller Than Saros

Live updates

1. 15m ago

   Housemarque hints next PS5 game may shrink in scale but eyes FromSoftware growth

   Sony’s Housemarque is exploring a smaller-scale project after *Saros* while targeting FromSoftware’s expansion trajectory. The studio’s 120-person team is hiring for an untitled title but has not dismissed boutique development. Speculation remains on whether the next game will avoid *Returnal*-level difficulty. Technical focus on PS5 VFX frameworks continues.

   What's confirmed:

   • Housemarque is aiming to achieve the same level of growth as FromSoftware with its next project.
   • The studio’s 120-person team is actively hiring for a new title, though boutique development remains a possibility.
   • Housemarque has integrated a unified visual effects framework for PS5, codenamed Graphite, to support its next sci-fi shooter.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The next Housemarque game may be smaller in scope than *Saros* but has not confirmed whether it will avoid *Returnal*-level difficulty.
   confidence 88%
2. 55m ago

   Housemarque Signals Smaller Post-*Saros* Project Amid Boutique Ambitions

   Housemarque, now a Sony first-party studio, is considering a smaller-scale game after *Saros* while aiming to replicate FromSoftware’s expansion. The team of 120 is hiring for a new title but has not ruled out boutique development. Speculation persists about whether the next project will avoid *Returnal*-level difficulty.

   What's confirmed:

   • Housemarque is evaluating smaller projects as part of its post-*Saros* strategy, balancing ambition with pragmatic development.
   • The studio, now at 120 employees, is hiring for a new title ahead of *Saros*’ release, indicating active development on multiple fronts.
   • Housemarque has expressed a desire to emulate FromSoftware’s growth trajectory, though no specific plans or commitments have been made.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The next Housemarque game may avoid the punishing design elements seen in *Returnal*, though this remains speculative.
   • Sony’s acquisition of Housemarque in 2021 and Nixxes’ support on *Saros* could influence a boutique-focused approach within PlayStation’s first-party lineup.
   confidence 92%
3. 1h ago

   Housemarque Signals Next PS5 Game May Be Smaller Than Saros

   Housemarque, now a fully integrated PlayStation first-party studio, has hinted its next PS5 game could be a smaller project than *Saros*, while also expressing ambitions to emulate FromSoftware’s growth trajectory. The studio, which grew to 120 employees under Sony’s ownership, has begun hiring for a new title ahead of *Saros*’ release. Confirmed statements focus on exploring new opportunities rather than committing to scale, though comparisons to *Returnal*’s punishing design remain a point of speculation.

   What's confirmed:

   • Housemarque now operates as a PlayStation first-party studio after being acquired by Sony in 2021, having previously worked as a second-party developer since the PS3 era.
   • The studio currently employs 120 people, reflecting significant growth under Sony’s ownership since the *Returnal* era.
   • Housemarque has begun hiring for its next project, indicating active development on a follow-up to *Saros*.
   • The team has expressed interest in exploring "interesting opportunities" distinct from *Saros*’ scale, though no specifics have been confirmed.
   • Housemarque has publicly stated aspirations to replicate FromSoftware’s growth trajectory, citing *Saros* as a step toward that ambition.

   Still unconfirmed:

   • The next Housemarque game may be smaller in scope than *Saros*, potentially prioritizing experimental or shorter-form gameplay.
   • The new project could mark a departure from *Returnal*’s punishing design philosophy, though no official confirmation exists.
   • Housemarque’s hiring push may signal a shift toward a less ambitious, more focused title compared to its last two PS5 exclusives.
   confidence 85%