Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen exits from studio
Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder and longtime CEO of Housemarque, has announced his departure from the PlayStation-owned Finnish studio after 31 years. The transition marks the end of an era for one of gaming’s most enduring creative leaders, though Kuittinen emphasized that the studio’s future remains secure under new leadership.
Kuittinen spent 33 years in the games industry, with the majority at Housemarque, which he co-founded with Harri Tikkanen in 1995. He confirmed that his final day at the studio is today, following a planned transition period lasting several months. Sami “Haxu” Hakala assumed the role of managing director on July 1, with Kuittinen’s support ensuring operational continuity. In his farewell message, Kuittinen praised the leadership team and expressed confidence in the studio’s strategic direction.
During his tenure, Housemarque established itself as a pioneering force in Finnish game development, creating signature arcade-influenced titles including Returnal, Resogun, Super Stardust, and Supreme Snowboarding. The studio has been a key part of PlayStation’s internal development efforts since being acquired by Sony.
While stepping back from day-to-day operations, Kuittinen plans to remain connected to the industry through consulting, trade show appearances, and advisory roles. His departure comes amid broader leadership transitions within PlayStation-owned studios, signaling continued organizational evolution at the platform holder’s internal development operations.