Harry Krueger, director known for Returnal and Nex Machina, left Housemarque in 2023 after 14 to 15 years and founded a new independent game studio called Cosmic Division based in Helsinki, Finland [1, 2]. The studio focuses on creating ambitious, atmospheric, gameplay-first experiences that deliver strong emotional resonance and mystery [1, 2].
Cosmic Division follows a "lean-and-mean," compact team philosophy emphasizing craftsmanship, fast iteration, and sustainable growth rather than rapid expansion [1, 2]. Krueger said, "We're proud of what we've achieved, but we're not standing still. At Cosmic Division, we're building on our strengths while finding a new edge through fresh themes, ideas and talent. We believe there is always room for games built on timeless values that trust the player and leave a lasting impact" [1].
The studio's first project is a new single-player IP aiming for PC and consoles, combining gameplay-first design with a strong story impact that maintains roots related to Krueger’s previous work at Housemarque [1, 2]. Krueger stated in Chinese, "我非常感谢Housemarque与我们共同走过的这段旅程，它为我们新工作室的创立奠定了基础。我们为取得的成就感到自豪，但我们不会止步不前。在Cosmic Division，我们将继续发挥自身优势，并通过全新的主题、创意和人才来开拓新的领域。我们坚信，那些秉持永恒价值观、信任玩家并能产生深远影响的游戏，永远都有市场" [2].
Krueger’s departure from Housemarque marked the end of a long chapter before establishing Cosmic Division in June 2026, signaling a fresh start for the developer [1, 2]. The studio will concentrate on delivering high-quality, narrative-driven games in a streamlined working environment.
Cosmic Division’s announcement comes three years after Krueger left Housemarque, where he contributed to several acclaimed titles and shaped cooperative development efforts [1, 2]. The new studio aims to uphold those standards while exploring new creative directions.
The upcoming single-player game remains in early stages but is expected to launch on PC and console platforms. Cosmic Division plans to build on the solid foundation of Krueger’s experience and reputation as it grows its first team and advances development [1, 2].
