Housemarque Co-Founder Ilari Kuittinen Takes a Well-Deserved Break After Three Decades of Game Development
In a significant move that marks the end of an era for Finland’s oldest active game studio, Housemarque co-founder and CEO Ilari Kuittinen has announced his departure from the company after 31 years of shaping the gaming industry. This news is sure to send ripples through the VR community, given the studio’s impressive track record in pushing the boundaries of immersive gaming.
Kuittinen’s exit comes as no surprise, as the studio has been preparing for this transition over several months. To ensure continuity and stability, Housemarque appointed Sami “Haxu” Hakala as managing director earlier this year. Kuittinen has spent the time since then supporting the leadership team, allowing them to take the reins and steer the company forward.
Under Kuittinen’s guidance, Housemarque built a reputation for crafting visually stunning and action-packed games that showcased the studio’s expertise in VR and high-speed gaming. The studio’s partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment (now known as Sony Interactive Entertainment) led to the creation of exclusive titles like Resogun and Matterfall, cementing their place in the gaming industry. The acquisition by PlayStation Studios in 2021 marked a new chapter for the company, which has since released critically acclaimed games like Returnal and Saros.
Kuittinen’s decision to step down is not without precedent, as several studio heads and co-founders have retired from PlayStation Studios over the past few years. Kuittinen himself cited a desire to take a “rare and well-deserved breather,” leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the gaming industry for years to come.
As he bids farewell to Housemarque, Kuittinen’s parting words offer valuable advice to professionals in the industry: “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.” These sentiments are especially relevant for VR enthusiasts, who continue to push the limits of immersive gaming.
The future of Housemarque remains bright, as Sami “Haxu” Hakala takes the reins and steers the company forward. The studio’s commitment to innovation and excellence will undoubtedly continue, driving the industry towards new frontiers in VR and high-speed gaming. With Kuittinen’s legacy serving as a testament to his dedication and passion for game development, it’s clear that the VR community has much to look forward to from Housemarque in the years to come.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-31