Returnal Director Harry Krueger Launches New Studio Cosmic Division
Former Returnal director Harry Krueger has officially launched Cosmic Division, a new independent game studio operating in downtown Helsinki, Finland. Krueger brings nearly 15 years of elite action-game pedigree from his time at Housemarque, where he also helped shape titles like Resogun and Nex Machina. The new studio aims to establish its own unique identity while building upon a proven heritage of crafting intense, high-quality action experiences. Cosmic Division has already secured its initial seed funding and is currently advancing through the pre-production phase of development.
The studio’s debut project will be an unannounced single-player title built for PC and consoles. The team designed this new original IP to deliver an unapologetically gameplay-first experience paired with a deeply emotional story. Operating under a philosophy that prioritizes craftsmanship and sustainable growth over massive scale, the compact team intends to combine tight gameplay loops with a major audiovisual spectacle. While the team will share a formal title and release timeline at a later date, the studio is actively seeking new talent, investors, and collaborators to help bring its creative vision to life.
Behind the Vision: In Their Own Words
Instead of scaling up into a massive corporate machine, Cosmic Division is focusing on a compact, agile approach to game design where the gameplay always comes first. Krueger views this new venture not as a departure from his arcade-inspired roots, but as an evolution.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Housemarque for our shared journey, which has shaped the foundations for our new studio,” says Harry Krueger, Founder and CEO of Cosmic Division. “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.”
That philosophy of trusting the player is exactly what made Krueger’s past work so beloved by action fans. By focusing on tight iteration and pure craftsmanship, the studio hopes to create unforgettable worlds that stick with players long after they put the controller down.
“We’re excited to push further into the experiences we love creating: intoxicating gameplay loops, audiovisual spectacle, and impactful stories that linger with players long after the credits have rolled,” Krueger concludes. “We have our feet on the ground and solid foundations beneath us. Now our journey of cosmic wonder begins, as we venture towards the stars… and beyond.”
My Thoughts
As a huge fan of Returnal, this news instantly caught my attention. Harry Krueger has an incredible track record when it comes to delivering intense, high-quality action experiences. Returnal was one of the absolute best showcases for pure, satisfying gameplay on modern hardware, so seeing him head up a new studio is very exciting. I love the “lean and mean” philosophy they are preaching here. In an industry where games often feel bloated, focusing on tight gameplay loops and sustainable craftsmanship is a winning strategy. A single-player action game built with that mindset is right up my alley, and I will definitely be keeping a close eye on whatever Cosmic Division reveals next.
