Housemarque co-founder Ilari Kuittinen steps down

Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder and long-time managing director of Housemarque, has left the studio after 31 years. Housemarque published Kuittinen’s farewell statement on August 31, 2026, and confirmed that Sami Hakala has served as managing director since July 1.

In his statement Kuittinen wrote that he was departing after “33 years in the games industry and 31 incredible years at Housemarque-the studio I co-founded with Harri Tikkanen-today marks my last day at the company.” He traced his career to 1993 with Terramarque and described co-founding Housemarque in 1995.

Kuittinen noted the studio remained independent for 26 years before joining PlayStation Studios. On leadership, he wrote his aim had been “to facilitate an environment where extraordinary creators have the freedom and protection to do what they do best.” He closed by thanking colleagues: “Thank you for making the past 31 years the privilege of a lifetime. Remember our guiding light: strive to be a better professional and a better human being. Take care of each other, speak with courage, and keep pushing the boundaries of what games can be. Here’s to the next decade!”

Housemarque said Kuittinen supported Hakala and the leadership team through the end of August to ensure operational continuity. Hakala is a Finnish games executive and producer who has worked on Housemarque projects including Resogun, Nex Machina and Returnal. Kuittinen wrote that the company’s strategy and creative vision are “in exceptional hands.”

Kuittinen indicated he will stay active in the industry in a less hands-on role, attending trade shows and planning to work as a mentor or consultant in the future. He described his departure as the result of a planned transition rather than an abrupt change.

Housemarque, founded in the mid-1990s, built a reputation for arcade-style and roguelike-influenced titles and later became part of PlayStation Studios. Kuittinen’s tenure covered the studio’s independent period, its development of several notable releases, and its integration into PlayStation’s studio group.