After a promising launch of its first next-gen title, Housemarque encountered criticism for omitting a save option. Returnal has received acclaim for its level design and naturally flowing gameplay. Still, the biomes are often lengthy and need several attempts to complete due to their difficulty. Housemarque has already confirmed that the team behind Returnal is working on offering players a save option.

While it is good news that Housemarque is aware of the feedback from fans, it seems that a save feature is long from becoming available in Returnal. Unfortunately, Housemarque has been facing difficulties in creating a valid method of saving, and as a result, the feature may not be added anytime soon.

RELATED: Returnal Patch 1.3.6 Out Now, Here's What It Does

Speaking to Axios Gaming, Housemarque's marketing director Mikael Havari stated, "We understand that there are some systems in place that are currently a hindering factor." Havari's comment doesn't spark much confidence, especially since the only solution Returnal currently has is turning off auto-updates, so the game doesn't close if the PlayStation 5 needs to update. However, many have already pointed out that this isn't a stable solution, especially as this still doesn't offer an acceptable saving method.

One Way Heroics, another rogue-lite, has a built-in save system that does come with a penalty to encourage players to keep playing. In comparison, Returnal could apply a similar tactic, so players don't rely on saving and offer a fair solution. Though Housemarque is working on a save feature, it's likely not to be added in for some time judging by Havari's statement. Despite the backlash, some players argue that the absence of a saving feature adds to the game's enjoyment. While others require a save feature because spending numerous hours on a game is impossible, while a fun game, Returnal can also be quite punishing.

Spelunky designer Derek Yu weighed on in the topic when speaking to VICE. "I often see players exclaim how easy it is to add something, especially if other games have it, but every team and game has different priorities, and nothing is really as trivial as it seems from the outside." This speaks to the idea that while fans are eager for the addition of a save feature, it's not entirely known what obstacles Housemarque is going through to apply that feature in a viable manner. Regardless, Returnal also suffers from several issues, from game crashing to save files being corrupted.

Thus far, Returnal has been really successful for Housemarque despite the backlash. While the kind of method Housemarque will apply remains a mystery, for now, it seems the team is dedicated to finding a solution. "But currently, we just don't know exactly what it is. So it's very difficult to announce anything because I think there's a lot of different people looking for different things." Havari added when speaking to Axios Gaming. It's unknown when a save option can be expected, but for now, at least players have been assured that Housemarque is working on a save method that could work for Returnal.

Returnal is currently available on the PlayStation 5.

MORE: What Returnal Teaches Deathloop

Source: Axios Gaming, VICE