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GDC 2022 Session Viewer

View, browse and sort the ever-growing list of sessions by pass type, topic, format and viewing experience. Use the experience filter to view sessions and roundtables that will be available on the virtual GDC event platform. Virtual sessions will be available to watch on-demand through April 1st, 2022 at 5pm PT. All days/times are displayed in Pacific Time.

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Breaking the Cycle: The Making of 'Returnal'

Harry Krueger  (Game Director, Housemarque)

Location: Room 2010, West Hall

Date: Thursday, March 24

Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Pass Type: All Access Pass, Core Pass, All Access Online Only Pass - Get your pass now!

Topic: Design

Format: Session

Viewing Experience: In-Person/Virtual

Vault Recording: Video

Audience Level: No

Housemarque is the oldest game development studio in Finland, known mostly for their fast-paced arcade-inspired shooters. With Returnal, they had a unique opportunity to take their craft to the next level and create a world-class launch title for the PS5. This retrospective-style talk will cover Housemarque's full "indie to AAA" journey of developing Returnal, from the initial concept and aspirations to its eventual critically-acclaimed release.

The talk will delve deeper into some key creative decisions and challenges the team overcame as they shot for the stars with Returnal: from transitioning their trademark neon-fused arcade action to a 3rd person experience; to building roguelite/procedurally generated worlds; to integrating a layered and haunting narrative, all for the first time, and all done while adapting to a rapidly growing team, a new platform, a relatively unfamiliar engine (Unreal 4), and in the end even shipping amidst a global pandemic.

Takeaway

Insight into the development of Returnal. Inspirations, creative goals and pillars, challenges and lessons learned for a growing team transitioning from a smaller 2D arcade space to a big-budget 3rd person experience. Also design takeaways on how to combine roguelite elements, bullet hell, 3rd person action and a haunting narrative.

Intended Audience

Game developers who are interested in hearing how a small studio can transition to a larger world-class production while preserving their core creative philosophy. Also for attendees who enjoyed Returnal and would like to know more about its inspirations, design philosophy, and development.