Former Housemarque game director Harry Krueger has launched a new independent studio in downtown Helsinki, Finland. The studio, named Cosmic Division, was established in May and represents Krueger’s first venture since leaving the developer behind titles such as Nex Machina, Returnal, and Saros.
Krueger, who previously served as game director at Housemarque, confirmed the launch in a statement. He described the new company’s approach as “responsibly ambitious,” signalling an intent to build a sustainable organization rather than a short-lived success.
Leadership and philosophy
“The goal isn’t to build something that burns brightly for a few years and disappears,” Krueger said in comments reported by GamesIndustry.biz. The remark offers insight into the studio’s founding principles, which emphasize long-term viability over rapid growth or immediate market impact.
Krueger’s background includes work on critically acclaimed titles. At Housemarque, he oversaw development of Returnal, a PlayStation 5 exclusive that won several game of the year awards. He also contributed to Nex Machina and the upcoming Saros. His departure from Housemarque was announced in early 2024.
Studio operations and location
Cosmic Division is headquartered in downtown Helsinki, a city with a growing reputation as a hub for game development in Northern Europe. Finland is home to several major studios, including Remedy Entertainment and Supercell. The choice of location may provide access to a pool of experienced developers and support from local industry networks.
At this stage, the studio has not disclosed specific project details or a timeline for its first release. Krueger indicated that the team is still in the early phases of assembling staff and defining creative direction.
Industry context
The launch comes during a period of significant change in the global video game industry. Many studios have faced layoffs, closures, and restructuring in recent years. Companies across the sector have adjusted strategies to prioritize profitability and sustainability. Krueger’s emphasis on responsible ambition may reflect broader trends in how new studios are approaching risk and resource management.
Independent studios in particular have faced challenges securing funding and maintaining momentum. Cosmic Division’s founding statement suggests a deliberate effort to avoid the boom-and-bust cycles that have affected other small developers.
Future outlook
No formal announcements have been made regarding publishing partnerships, platforms, or genre focus. Industry observers will likely monitor the studio’s hiring activity and any public statements for clues about its first game. The team’s composition and leadership experience suggest a focus on high-quality interactive entertainment, but concrete details remain unavailable.
As Cosmic Division moves forward, its progress may serve as a case study in how new studios can balance creative ambition with operational stability. The company’s commitment to responsible growth could influence how other founders approach studio formation in the current economic climate.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
