Returnal director leaves Housemarque to launch new game studio

May 20, 2026 - 13:35

Harry Krueger, the creative director behind the acclaimed PlayStation 5 title Returnal, has officially left Housemarque after more than a decade with the studio. He announced his departure on social media, revealing plans to launch a new independent game development team called Cosmic Division.

In his statement, Krueger described the decision as both difficult and exciting. He expressed deep gratitude for his time at Housemarque, where he worked on titles like Resogun and Nex Machina before leading the development of Returnal. That game, a third-person roguelike shooter, became a critical and commercial success for Sony, praised for its tight gameplay and atmospheric storytelling.

Krueger did not share specific details about Cosmic Division's first project, but he hinted at a focus on creating original, narrative-driven experiences that push the boundaries of interactive entertainment. He noted that the new studio aims to maintain a small, agile team structure to preserve creative freedom.

The departure marks a significant shift for Housemarque, which was acquired by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2021 following Returnal's launch. The studio is currently believed to be working on its next major project, though no official announcements have been made. Krueger's exit leaves a notable gap in leadership, but Housemarque has a deep bench of experienced developers who contributed heavily to the studio's signature arcade-inspired style.

Industry observers will watch Cosmic Division closely, given Krueger's track record for delivering polished, high-intensity gameplay. For now, the studio remains in its early formation stages, with hiring expected to begin in the coming months.