Housemarque
Housemarque was recently acquired by Sony, but in a new interview it emerged that there were also other companies interested in carrying out the operation, as reported by Ilari Kuittisen, the CEO of the studio.In a article in Finnish, therefore obviously subject to any translation errors, by Yle.fi, the CEO and co-founder of Housemarque, Ilari Kuittisen, explains how the talented Returnal team was also approached by other entities for a possible acquisition in block of the studio, which however did not exceed Sony's attractiveness, apparently.
The developer obviously doesn't mention names, so it's hard to say who he is, but he mentions the "usual suspects" for as regards acquisition candidates, from China, Sweden and the USA. This allows us to make some assumptions about the identity of the aspiring buyers.
As for China, we can bet fairly on the safe side thinking that it could be Tencent, given the continuous expansion of the company on the videogame market and also in west, as seen recently.
Speaking of Sweden, the suspects are very few, practically one: Embracer Group, which is continuing to acquire teams to increase its production portfolio, which has now reached truly impressive dimensions.
Much more difficult to think about who the buyers from the USA could be: although many point the finger at Microsoft, it is quite unlikely that it could be the Redmond house, given that there have practically been no collaborations between the two companies beyond a couple of minor games several years ago and there have never been any approaching maneuvers between them. More likely it was Epic Games, but it's still just guesswork.
In any case, "Housemarque is perfect for PlayStation", said Hermen Hulst of Sony Worldwide Studios, pleased to have completed the purchase of the team announced in recent days.
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‘Returnal’ developer Housemarque rejected offers prior to Sony acquisition
Housemarque CEO Ilari Kuittinen has revealed that multiple parties were interested in acquiring the developer prior to Sony.
Speaking with Yle.Fi, Kuittinen discussed the acquisition that saw Sony attain exclusive publishing rights for the developer.
Kuittinen detailed how several big businesses from “China, Sweden and the United states” were interested in the developer.
It’s likely that the businesses Kuittinen is referring to are Tencent, Embracer Group and Microsoft, as all three represent the largest in their respective nations.
The CEO ultimately chose Sony for one specific reason: “In our discussions, it became clear that Sony wanted to buy us because we are doing something that others are not doing.”
“Their starting point has not been that we would start making games according to the formula defined by Sony.”
Returnal. Credit: HousemarqueKuittinen also discusses how excited the team is for the future in the interview. Returnal was the studio’s biggest game yet, but the team is already looking forward to the next title.
“What if we put even more bangs and made games for large audiences with high goals for artistry and innovation as well,” commented Kuittinen.
The Housemarque acquisition is the biggest of its kind in Finland. Smaller mobile developers Supercell and Small Giant Games were acquired in previous years, but Housemarque is the most established developer in the country.
Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer commented on studio acquisitions earlier this week, stating that it is “the natural turnover that happens with entrepreneurs and start-up businesses”.
Spencer also added that he understands why players are hesitant about the practise, likely referencing how numerous beloved developers have been closed following an acquisition.
Elsewhere, a DICE developer has offered a gamer on Twitter a free copy of Battlefield 2042 if they can complete a unique challenge.
The challenge will require the Twitter user to complete a difficult Battlefield V challenge while playing on a smaller screen.