Housemarque, the Finnish studio behind hits like Returnal, is taking a different approach to next-generation games with its upcoming title, Saros. In a recent interview, the team argues that the industry's obsession with photorealism misses the point of what makes games compelling.
"Realism is not interesting to pursue," says a Housemarque representative, contrasting the studio's philosophy with that of many AAA developers who pour resources into lifelike graphics. For Housemarque, gameplay and artistic vision take precedence over hyper-detailed environments.
This stance sets Saros apart in an era where visual fidelity often serves as the primary benchmark for progress. While other studios chase ever-more realistic horse testicles or dynamic snow physics, Housemarque focuses on creating a distinct visual style that enhances the player's experience without mimicking reality.
The game is expected to showcase this philosophy when it launches on PS5, promising a fresh take on what "next-gen" truly means.