Another Co-Founder of PlayStation Studio Departs: ‘Housemarque’s Future Vision and Strategy Are in Great Hands’

Ilari Kuittinen is stepping down as managing director at Housemarque after an impressive 33-year journey, during which he played a pivotal role in delivering outstanding arcade-style shooters. Sami “Haxu” Hakala, a long-time member of the studio who briefly left to assist with a major project, will take over the reins.

“We have been planning this leadership transition carefully behind the scenes,” Kuittinen stated. “On July 1, Sami ‘Haxu’ Hakala officially stepped into the managing director role, and I have been supporting him and the leadership team through the end of this month to ensure complete operational continuity and stability. Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in exceptional hands.”

Kuittinen co-founded Terramarque in 1994, which later merged with Bloodhouse to create Housemarque. The studio’s early titles included Supreme Snowboarding and The Reap. Housemarque’s relationship with Sony strengthened significantly after the release of the PlayStation 3 exclusive Super Stardust HD. As they honed their skills in 2D arcade shooters, they expanded into 3D bullet hell roguelikes like Returnal and Saros during the PS5 era. The studio became part of the PlayStation family in 2021.

The timing of Kuittinen’s departure is noteworthy, especially following the reported underperformance of Saros, which sold only 300,000 copies shortly after launch. This change in leadership comes amid a wave of retirements at PlayStation studios, including Insomniac Games co-founder Ted Price and Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming. These shifts occur as Sony gears up for the anticipated launch of the PS6, expected in late 2027 or early 2028, though no official announcements have been made.

Here’s Kuittinen’s full statement:

End of an Era: 31 Years at Housemarque and 33 Years in Gaming

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 as a Housemarquean.

Starting out in 1993 with Terramarque, and then joining forces with Harri to establish Housemarque in 1995, we had a passion for games but no real blueprint for building a business. Looking back, I feel immensely fortunate. We had the luck of being in the right place at the right time during three decades of incredible industry growth, allowing us to stay fiercely independent for 26 years before finding a home within the PlayStation Studios family.

My core purpose as a leader has always been simple: to facilitate an environment where extraordinary creators have the freedom and protection to do what they do best.

Together, we’ve achieved things I couldn’t have imagined when we started:

A Heartfelt Thank You to My Industry Family

Beyond the walls of Housemarque and PlayStation, this journey would have been impossible without the broader games community. To the many friends, fellow founders, mentors, and industry peers across the world who have offered invaluable advice, a listening ear, or steady support over the last three decades: thank you.

This industry is defined not just by the games we create, but by the remarkable, generous people who make up its global community. The wisdom, camaraderie, and encouragement you’ve shared with me personally throughout the years mean more than I can express.

Leadership Transition & What’s Next

We have been planning this leadership transition carefully behind the scenes. On July 1, Sami “Haxu” Hakala officially stepped into the managing director role, and I have been supporting him and the leadership team through the end of this month to ensure complete operational continuity and stability. Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in exceptional hands.

As for me? After 33 continuous years without a major break, I am taking a rare and well-deserved breather. Starting in September, I plan to embrace what writer David Deida calls the concept of the “Man of Zero”—learning to simply be without always striving for the next milestone. Let’s see how good I am at doing nothing!

However, you certainly haven’t seen the last of me. I look forward to staying connected with the industry, attending trade shows, cheering from the crowd at award shows, and down the road, doing some mentoring or consulting.

To Harri, our partners, our global industry friends, and every single team member who has ever walked through Housemarque’s doors: 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!