Kuittinen, who established the Finnish studio alongside Harri Tikkanen in 1995 following their earlier venture Terramarque in 1993, will officially conclude his tenure on August 31. Former deputy managing director Sami “Haxu” Hakala assumed the managing director role on July 1, with Kuittinen providing transition support through the end of August to ensure operational stability.
Leadership Transition and Operational Continuity
The leadership handoff at the Helsinki-based developer has been planned internally for months, according to Kuittinen’s public statement. Sami “Haxu” Hakala took over day-to-day operations as managing director on July 1, while Kuittinen remained active through August to guide the leadership team and maintain stability. After operating independently for 26 years, the studio became part of PlayStation Studios following its acquisition by Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2021, a move catalyzed by the breakout success of Returnal.
Did you know? Housemarque spent 26 years as an independent studio before officially joining the PlayStation Studios family in 2021.
Three Decades of Arcade Roots to AAA Success
During Kuittinen’s tenure, Housemarque evolved from a creator of fast-paced, arcade-style titles into a premier AAA developer. Under his leadership, the studio released games including Supreme Snowboarding, Super Stardust HD, Resogun, the critically acclaimed Returnal, and its latest release, Saros.
https://x.com/Housemarque/status/2094412021559136609
Future Plans and Industry Involvement
After 33 continuous years in the sector without a major break, Kuittinen plans to step away from active development beginning in September. According to his statement, he intends to take a breather before exploring mentoring or consulting roles further down the line. While stepping back from daily studio management, Kuittinen confirmed he will remain visible in the gaming community by attending trade shows and award events. “You certainly haven’t seen the last of me,” Kuittinen wrote, expressing gratitude to his co-founder Harri Tikkanen, partners at Sony Interactive Entertainment, and global industry peers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Ilari Kuittinen?
Ilari Kuittinen is the co-founder and outgoing managing director of Housemarque, having spent 31 years at the studio and 33 years in the games industry.
Who is the new managing director of Housemarque?
Sami “Haxu” Hakala officially took over as Housemarque’s managing director on July 1, following a planned internal transition.
What are some notable games developed by Housemarque?
Under Kuittinen’s leadership, Housemarque developed titles such as Supreme Snowboarding, Super Stardust HD, Resogun, Returnal, and Saros.
What is next for Kuittinen?
Kuittinen plans to take a personal break starting in September, with future plans to stay connected to the industry through trade shows, award events, mentoring, and consulting.
What are your favorite memories of Housemarque’s transition from arcade titles to AAA hits like Returnal? Share your thoughts in the comments below, explore our latest gaming news, and subscribe to our newsletter for more industry updates.