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[remember_spinal]

Maybe even 10 million + like some of the other sony studios? Their history on playstation have been contained to challenging, lower budget, arcade style games. Stuff like Dead Nation, Resogun, Matterfall, Nex Machina, etc. etc. have all felt like additive titles since sony started offering pure digital releases since the ps3 gen began.

Even now with the breakout critical success of Returnal, their first big budget title, they still didn’t really break out of the million unit bracket that we know of. Do you think with the success of returnal, the bigger install base, and the increased budget that housemarque can ascend to in the sales bracket of sonys other big AAA games or will the niche-like nature and difficulty of their games always turn off more casual gamers?

If so how do we feel about the future of the studio?

 

[tommib]

If they hit 5 million, they're doing it wrong.

Leave Housemarque alone! Sony needs at least one developer that doesn't succumb to generic world-class AAA production traits.

I'm not sorry.

 

[TintoConCasera]

I'm more interested about their games than whatever sale numbers they manage to reach to.

They could go back to smaller games, sell less units but those smaller games could still be fun to play, and that's the important thing imo.

They seem to have a lot of talent there, so probably (hopefully) Sony will give them more money to keep making bigger and more interesting titles.

 

[Captain Toad]

I just need them to sell enough to keep making Returnal spiritual successors.

As much as I liked Resogun, after Returnal, I don't want them backing out of the AAA space.

 

[FrankWza]

Returnal was their DeS. They will when they make their Bloodborne.

 

[GHG]

If they hit 5 million, they're doing it wrong.

In a weird sort of way this is true.

Unless of course they happen to hit it big in the same way that From Software did with Elden Ring. So as long as its like that and their success is based on what they are good at (rather than going off in a different direction entirely) then I have no problem with it.

 

[rofif]

Returnal should've done that. It's phenomenal

 

[Bartski]

no, for the better and I hope now they can afford it

 

[Tomi]

Any Returnal numbers?

I think they have a big potential, Returnal was excellent

 

[remember_spinal]

In a weird sort of way this is true.

Unless of course they happen to hit it big in the same way that From Software did with Elden Ring. So as long as its like that and their success is based on what they are good at (rather than going off in a different direction entirely) then I have no problem with it.

Fromsoft kind of hit that well before Elden Ring. Dark Souls and Sekiro are challenging as hell and they all did over 5 million copies.

 

[Fbh]

I don't know, their games seem quite niche.
For a 5+ million seller they'd probably have to make something a bit more "mainstream". Maybe add a strong multiplayer component, grinding for loot and stuff like that. Or at very least a more lengthy and traditional story mode instead of a challenging rougelite.

I wasn't as big on Returnal as most people here but I'm still looking forward to what they do next.

 

[remember_spinal]

If they hit 5 million, they're doing it wrong.

Leave Housemarque alone! Sony needs at least one developer that doesn't succumb to generic world-class AAA production traits.

I'm not sorry.

Nothing to be sorry for, Returnal wouldn’t even exist if sony didn’t go in that direction you hate so much

 

[tommib]

Nothing to be sorry for, Returnal wouldn’t even exist if sony didn’t go in that direction you hate so much

Thank God for Ragnarok. Now Harry Krueger can continue cooking my next joint.

 

[GHG]

Fromsoft kind of hit that well before Elden Ring. Dark Souls and Sekiro are challenging as hell and they all did over 5 million copies.

Well it was a building process from Demon's Souls all the way to where they are now. If Housemarque are to follow a similar path then I think they are still at the Demon's Souls stage.

 

[Wildebeest]

I think 2 million is a very ambitious goal for a game like this, which isn't a mega budget AAA adventure, and has no huge IP attached to it.

 

[drotahorror]

Whatever they do, whatever budget they get, and how ever many units they sell, I just hope they stick with gameplay as their most important feature. Almost all of their games have some of the best gameplay in any generation of consoles.

 

[SmokedMeat]

They deserve to, but only doing the types of games they excel at.

 

[Crayon]

Mayyybe. Returnal has a very different appeal compared to what theyy were doing before. If they did something like that and could get it out of the rougelike ghetto (suck it) then maybe they could hit those kind of numbers. It would have to be sold as a sort of bullet-bloodbourne, I would imagine.

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

Isn't Returanal about motherhood?

Maybe they should try fatherhood with a companion. If the want to sell 5+M.

 

[remember_spinal]

Isn't Returanal about motherhood?

Maybe they should try fatherhood with a companion. If the want to sell 5+M.

Well, sony already have two other sad dad games, this is a good sad mom game.

Mayyybe. Returnal has a very different appeal compared to what theyy were doing before. If they did something like that and could get it out of the rougelike ghetto (suck it) then maybe they could hit those kind of numbers. It would have to be sold as a sort of bullet-bloodbourne, I would imagine.

I do think the rogue-like nature of the game will be a deterrent unless they can think of a way to keep it challenging but make it more rewarding. To this day, i still think Hades nails the formula. It’s challenging for more hardcore gamers but also has a very rewarding gameplay loop that always makes you feel like you made significant progress and lots of different builds.

Returnal is good at what it does but it lacks in variety and progression. The rewards feel too insubstantial for what can sometimes end up being a hour long+ run. They need to evolve their gameplay loop the same way From did. Maybe incorporate more to do and see in the hub/starting area of the game

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

Any company that assigns dodge to O is a runt developer who deserves to be thrown from a Spartan cliff.

Jim Ryan giving them another chance is a testament to his grace and benevolence. Should they produce another dud, heads must roll. Competition and survival is not for the weak.

 

[nowhat]

Any company that assigns dodge to O is a runt developer who deserves to be thrown from a Spartan cliff.

I'm going to let you in on a secret - not many people know this, so sit down, I'm about to blow your mind.

You can actually remap the controls, not only on a console-level, but within the game itself. HTH, HAND.

 

[Men_in_Boxes]

I'm going to let you in on a secret - not many people know this, so sit down, I'm about to blow your mind.

You can actually remap the controls, not only on a console-level, but within the game itself. HTH, HAND.

And when you go to a restaurant and they hand you a turd plate, you can go home and cook your own meal too. Doesn't mean the restaurant shouldn't be shut down immediately.

As I said before, the fact that they took 5 years to make a game that sold 42 copies means they should be very grateful of their continued existence. Jim Big Daddy Ryan does not tolerate ineptitude.

 

[Fredrik]

Absolutely. Housemarque is as close as anyone has ever come to make the first fully functional and awesome non-first person 3D Metroidvania the hobby has seen - with Returnal. All the pieces are there, mysterious alien planet, weapon upgrades, suit upgrades, gear to reach specific areas, grapple, water level, platforming, bosses, exploration without hand-holding.
Just add save rooms and doors that let you traverse back to previous maps without dying and losing your progress.

 

[nowhat]

And when you go to a restaurant and they hand you a turd plate, you can go home and cook your own meal too. Doesn't mean the restaurant shouldn't be shut down immediately.

As I said before, the fact that they took 5 years to make a game that sold 42 copies means they should be very grateful of their continued existence. Jim Big Daddy Ryan does not tolerate ineptitude.

You are known for hyperbole, but this is like... ultrabole, I guess?

(according to this link at least)

 

[AJUMP23]

Everyone has potential.

 

[SSfox]

If they hit 5 million, they're doing it wrong.

Leave Housemarque alone! Sony needs at least one developer that doesn't succumb to generic world-class AAA production traits.

I'm not sorry.

This.

 

[Badlucktroll]

Wish they could make a Contra game

 

[Hobbygaming]

If they hit 5 million, they're doing it wrong.

Leave Housemarque alone! Sony needs at least one developer that doesn't succumb to generic world-class AAA production traits.

I'm not sorry.

Yeah I'm tired of fighting robot dinosaurs in Ghost of Tsushima

 

[Aaron Olive]

Well, sony already have two other sad dad games, this is a good sad mom game.



I do think the rogue-like nature of the game will be a deterrent unless they can think of a way to keep it challenging but make it more rewarding. To this day, i still think Hades nails the formula. It’s challenging for more hardcore gamers but also has a very rewarding gameplay loop that always makes you feel like you made significant progress and lots of different builds.

Returnal is good at what it does but it lacks in variety and progression. The rewards feel too insubstantial for what can sometimes end up being a hour long+ run. They need to evolve their gameplay loop the same way From did. Maybe incorporate more to do and see in the hub/starting area of the game

If it’s another Returnal then they’re dead. I know what they were trying to accomplish but you just can’t alienate customers on difficulty and add insult to injury asking $70 for it.

 

[TonyK]

Another 80€ roguelite? Impossible. I want Returnal but my top price for a roguelite is 30€ so I continue waiting.

 

[remember_spinal]

If it’s another Returnal then they’re dead. I know what they were trying to accomplish but you just can’t alienate customers on difficulty and add insult to injury asking $70 for it.

Another 80€ roguelite? Impossible. I want Returnal but my top price for a roguelite is 30€ so I continue waiting.

Yeah, especially since sony is so big on accessibility now. I dont think the design of Returnal is suited to be 70 dollars, its either they go back to their lower budget style games that are reserved as digital only releases or they open up their design philosophy to include a larger audience.

The best things about their game is the feel and control, the challenge portion needs an overhaul if they want to continue to grow

 

[RoadHazard]

I hope so, because Returnal is the best game I've played on my PS5 so far. Just incredible. They deserve a lot more sales. Not that I helped, I only played it once it came to PS+, but I'll be there day 1 for their next game.

 

[RoadHazard]

If it’s another Returnal then they’re dead. I know what they were trying to accomplish but you just can’t alienate customers on difficulty and add insult to injury asking $70 for it.

It's easier than any Souls game (although it takes longer to feel like you're making any progress).

 

[Aaron Olive]

I hope so, because Returnal is the best game I've played on my PS5 so far. Just incredible. They deserve a lot more sales. Not that I helped, I only played it once it came to PS+, but I'll be there day 1 for their next game.

Good that you enjoyed it but please don’t live up to your name and be a blind shill day one, you played a more robust version after the many complaints it received. I’m on DEFCON watch on anything coming from this studio.

 

[kyliethicc]

Maybe even 10 million + like some of the other sony studios? Their history on playstation have been contained to challenging, lower budget, arcade style games. Stuff like Dead Nation, Resogun, Matterfall, Nex Machina, etc. etc. have all felt like additive titles since sony started offering pure digital releases since the ps3 gen began.

Even now with the breakout critical success of Returnal, their first big budget title, they still didn’t really break out of the million unit bracket that we know of. Do you think with the success of returnal, the bigger install base, and the increased budget that housemarque can ascend to in the sales bracket of sonys other big AAA games or will the niche-like nature and difficulty of their games always turn off more casual gamers?

If so how do we feel about the future of the studio?

no

 

[cash_longfellow]

Gimme Alienation for current Gen with updated loot system you f’n cowards

 

[01011001]

only if they succumb to the AAA design formula of making your games as stupid as possible to appease the casuals...

so hopefully not

 

[ChiefDada]

Good that you enjoyed it but please don’t live up to your name and be a blind shill day one, you played a more robust version after the many complaints it received. I’m on DEFCON watch on anything coming from this studio.

It was an amazing game with excellent gameplay, audio design and unmatched dual sense support from day 1. Yes it had bugs early but not NEARLY to the level you're suggesting.

 

[Punished Miku]

Any Sony studios have the potential. They've developed a pretty consistent brand image now that's close to Nintendo's scores and reputation. The potential is gonna be there and the marketing machine is the same for all the studios.

(I still vastly prefer Nintendo but sales numbers don't lie)

 

[Aaron Olive]

It was an amazing game with excellent gameplay, audio design and unmatched dual sense support from day 1. Yes it had bugs early but not NEARLY to the level you're suggesting.

It wasn’t bugs as I didn’t incur any myself when I played, I guess I could’ve been more clear in my previous post but in terms of accessibility -co-op.

 

[Aenima]

If its not a roguelike, they probably can go close to 8 -10 million cuz thats the mark most Sony 1st Party games reach, even new IPs like Ghost of Tsushima and Days Gone reached that mark. Depends of the word of mouth. Returnal has masterfull gameplay, but roguelikes are not for everyone, especially as punishing as Returnal is.

To be honest ill not buy they next game if its another roguelike.

 

[fart town usa]

If they hit 5 million, they're doing it wrong.

Leave Housemarque alone! Sony needs at least one developer that doesn't succumb to generic world-class AAA production traits.

I'm not sorry.

 

[Yoboman]

Yeah sure, maybe lifetime

They need to do better with their character design though

And probably adding multiplayer with their quality gameplay would do the trick

 

[Robb]

I think so, but I doubt they’ll get there if they keep making niche stuff.

Even though I think their games deserve to sell more than they usually do I don’t think it matters much, their games are a nice complement to the rest of Sony’s lineup.

 

[sachos]

You guys think they should do Returnal 2? I think they have potential to become Sony's Platinum like developer, what if they go character action game?

 

[kiphalfton]

Make a non-roguelike or wtf it's called and maybe you got my interest.

 

[64bitmodels]

I think so, but I doubt they’ll get there if they keep making niche stuff.

it doesnt matter how niche the genre is all they need is a great ad campaign and they'll get 10+ million.... Besides, Minecraft would have been considered 'niche' back in the early 2010s.

 

[T0minator]

Maybe even 10 million + like some of the other sony studios? Their history on playstation have been contained to challenging, lower budget, arcade style games. Stuff like Dead Nation, Resogun, Matterfall, Nex Machina, etc. etc. have all felt like additive titles since sony started offering pure digital releases since the ps3 gen began.

Even now with the breakout critical success of Returnal, their first big budget title, they still didn’t really break out of the million unit bracket that we know of. Do you think with the success of returnal, the bigger install base, and the increased budget that housemarque can ascend to in the sales bracket of sonys other big AAA games or will the niche-like nature and difficulty of their games always turn off more casual gamers?

If so how do we feel about the future of the studio?

Housemarque doesn't have to sell millions on launch day with their next release.

They're known for unique bullet hell shooters with particle effects like no other game. They're a gameplay centric studio. Appealing to the masses is for other devs, Housemarque is for the hardcore

 

[Mr Hyde]

Returnal was an absolute banger from start to finish. The atmosphere was second to none, amplified by the haunting yet beautiful score and overall mysterious vibe the planet had. The difficulty was perfectly executed, it controlled perfectly, with amazing Dualsense support. It was very challenging yet every run was so fun. The 3D bullet hell also boasted some impressive graphical effects and lighting, with close to zero load times when warping around the map. Returnal was an excellent showpiece for the PS5, it demonstrated all the features of the console in a great way. This game is easily worth full price. I'm all in on Housemarques next adventure.