Housemarque Co-Founder Ilari Kuittinen Hangs Up His Hat After an Impressive 31-Year Run
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the gaming industry, Ilari Kuittinen, co-founder and CEO of PlayStation-owned studio Housemarque, has announced his departure from the company. This marks the end of an era for the Finnish game developer, who spent over three decades building one of the most iconic studios in the business.
Kuittinen’s exit comes after a successful tenure that saw him lead Housemarque through numerous highs and lows. Under his guidance, the studio established itself as a force to be reckoned with, churning out critically acclaimed titles like Super Stardust HD, Resogun, and Matterfall. Their partnership with Sony Computer Entertainment (now known as PlayStation Studios) bore some of their most successful games yet, including Returnal and Saros.
But Kuittinen’s departure is not a sudden one; he has been preparing for this transition for several months. As part of the preparation, Sami “Haxu” Hakala was appointed managing director of Housemarque, ensuring continuity and stability within the company. Kuittinen expressed confidence in his successor, stating that Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are now in exceptional hands.
Housemarque’s legacy is a testament to Kuittinen’s dedication to his craft. Founded in 1995 by Kuittinen and Harri Tikkanen, the studio has been at the forefront of game development for over two decades. Their unique blend of innovative gameplay mechanics and stunning visuals has earned them a loyal following among gamers worldwide.
Kuittinen’s exit marks one of several high-profile departures from PlayStation Studios in recent years. Ted Price, Brian Fleming, and Evan Wells are just a few examples of studio heads who have retired after long stints at the helm of their respective companies. Kuittinen joins this esteemed group with the promise that he is taking “a rare and well-deserved breather.”
In his parting message to the Housemarque team, Kuittinen emphasized the importance of striving to be better professionals and human beings. He encouraged his colleagues to take care of one another, speak with courage, and continue pushing the boundaries of what games can be.
Kuittinen’s departure marks a new chapter for Housemarque, but his legacy will undoubtedly endure. As we bid farewell to an era of incredible game development, it’s clear that Kuittinen has left an indelible mark on the industry. His dedication, passion, and commitment to innovation have inspired countless developers, and his impact will be felt for years to come.
As we look to the future, one thing is certain: Housemarque will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in VR gaming. With Sami “Haxu” Hakala at the helm, there’s no doubt that the studio will maintain its reputation as a pioneer in immersive game development. And who knows? Perhaps Kuittinen’s next chapter will bring us even more exciting developments from this gaming legend.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-08-31