Returnal PS5

Harry Krueger, director of Returnal and a 14-year Housemarque veteran, has announced the formation of his new team.

Cosmic Division is its name, and it’s already working on its first project: a single player “gameplay-first” experience packing “a story with strong emotional resonance”. It’s planned for PC and consoles, so the chances there's a PS5 version (or PS6 at this point) are high.

Krueger only had kind words to share regarding Housemarque, who recently released Saros. "I’m incredibly grateful to Housemarque for our shared journey, which has shaped the foundations for our new studio," he said. Krueger departed the Finnish outfit in 2023.

Now serving as CEO at Cosmic Division, Krueger states that the team is looking to build on those achievements "while finding a new edge through fresh themes, ideas and talent. We believe there is always room for games built on timeless values that trust the player and leave a lasting impact."

The studio has already secured funding to get it started, but is still looking to collaborate with investors and talent. "We have our feet on the ground and have solid foundations beneath us," said Krueger. "Now our journey of cosmic wonder begins, as we venture towards the stars... and beyond."

Based on the description of its first game project, it sounds like Cosmic Division could create something similar to what Housemarque is doing. Its rogue-like games have all taken a "gameplay-first" approach, and more recently, it's added in the compelling story elements with Returnal and Saros. Whether Cosmic Division adopts the same rogue-like structure remains to be seen, though.

Harry Krueger had been with Housemarque as far back as 2010, earning his first credit on Dead Nation. After that, he worked on Resogun, Alienation, Matterfall, Nex Machina, Returnal, and did some early work on Saros.

Are you excited to see what Cosmic Division has in store? Let us know in the comments below.

[source videogameschronicle.com]