Housemarque's Next Game: Details on the Follow-Up to Returnal

Last Updated: October 26, 2025

Following the monumental success of their 2021 masterpiece, the gaming world has been holding its breath for news on the next major title from Housemarque. The acclaimed Finnish developer, now a flagship first-party PlayStation Studio, captivated players with Returnal's unique blend of punishing roguelike mechanics, bullet-hell shooter action, and a haunting sci-fi narrative. The question on everyone's mind is: how will they follow it up?

While official details remain scarce, the studio has begun to peel back the curtain, confirming that their next project is not a sequel to Returnal but a completely new IP. This new title aims to build upon the gameplay foundations and technological achievements that defined their PS5 debut, promising an ambitious evolution of the studio's signature "gameplay-first" philosophy. Here’s a comprehensive look at everything we know so far about Housemarque's highly anticipated next chapter.

An Ambitious New IP, Not Returnal 2

Housemarque has officially confirmed that its next game will be a brand new IP, moving away from the world of Atropos and Selene Vasso for now. While this may be disappointing for fans hoping to directly continue Returnal's story, it signals the studio's ambition to create a fresh universe, leveraging the immense experience gained from their last project.

In interviews, Housemarque Managing Director Ilari Kuittinen has spoken about the team's desire to "go bigger" and apply the lessons learned from Returnal to a new concept. The studio's commitment to creating a new IP was one of the core reasons they were originally interested in being acquired by Sony, as it provided the stability and resources needed to craft new worlds from the ground up. This suggests that while the name and specific premise are unknown, the scale and scope of this next game will be a significant step forward.

Inheriting Returnal's Soul

Even though the upcoming title is not a direct sequel, it is expected to be a spiritual successor in terms of design and ethos. Returnal was lauded for its tight third-person controls, procedural generation, and high-stakes gameplay loop where death is a part of the learning process. It's almost certain that these core tenets will be carried forward.

Players should anticipate another challenging, high-octane experience meticulously crafted around core mechanics. The "bullet hell" DNA, a hallmark of Housemarque's identity from Super Stardust HD to Resogun, will likely remain central to the combat. The key difference will be how these familiar gameplay systems are applied to a new setting, new narrative themes, and potentially new mechanics. The goal isn't to simply repeat the Returnal formula but to evolve it, creating an experience that feels both familiar to fans and revolutionary in its execution.

First Glimpse and A Change in Leadership

Our only visual teaser for the project so far is a single piece of concept art released by the studio. The evocative image depicts a lone figure standing before a colossal, biomechanical structure amidst a gloomy, water-logged landscape. Strewn about are what appear to be fallen warriors or husks, hinting at a dark, mysterious, and potentially fantasy-infused sci-fi world. This brief glimpse suggests the studio is retaining the moody, atmospheric tone that made Returnal's world so compelling.

Adding a significant new variable to the project's development is the departure of Returnal's Game Director, Harry Krueger, who left Housemarque in late 2023 after 14 years with the studio. While the foundations of the next game were likely established under his leadership, his exit marks a change in creative direction. However, the core team at Housemarque remains, ensuring the studio's distinct style will continue to shape the new IP.

Platform and Release Window

As a premier PlayStation Studios developer, Housemarque's next title is confirmed to be an exclusive for the PlayStation 5. The studio masterfully utilized the PS5's DualSense controller, 3D audio, and ultra-fast SSD for Returnal, and it's a safe bet they will push the hardware even further with their next game.

A release date or even a target window has not been announced. Given that development on a AAA scale is a multi-year process, and with Returnal having been released in 2021, the new project is undoubtedly deep in production. Fans should remain patient, as more information is likely to be revealed as development milestones are reached, possibly at a future PlayStation Showcase or State of Play event.

Conclusion: The Legacy Continues

Housemarque's next game stands as one of the most anticipated titles for the PlayStation 5. While it forges a new path as a unique IP, it carries the full weight of Returnal's legacy. The promise of an evolved gameplay formula, built upon the studio's peerless arcade action and set within a mysterious new universe, is an exciting prospect for gamers everywhere. As a critical part of the PlayStation Studios family, Housemarque is poised to deliver another unforgettable, genre-defining experience that champions skill, atmosphere, and the pure joy of gameplay.