Ilari Kuittinen, a co-founder of the acclaimed arcade-style shooter developer Housemarque, has stepped down as managing director after 33 years with the studio. The transition, which saw veteran studio member Sami Hakala assume the role of managing director on July 1, was carefully planned, with Kuittinen providing support to ensure operational continuity through the end of August.
Kuittinen co-founded Terramarque in 1993, which later merged with Bloodhouse in 1995 to form Housemarque. The studio initially released titles like Supreme Snowboarding and The Reap before its connection with Sony deepened following the PlayStation 3 exclusive Super Stardust HD. Housemarque continued to refine the 2D arcade shooter formula before expanding into 3D bullet hell roguelikes with its PlayStation 5 titles, Returnal and Saros. Sony acquired the studio in 2021.
This leadership change occurs amidst a period of high-profile departures from PlayStation studios, including Insomniac Games co-founder Ted Price in January 2025 and Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming in December 2025. These management shifts come as Sony reportedly prepares for the potential launch of the PlayStation 6, anticipated for late 2027 or early 2028.
In a statement, Kuittinen expressed confidence in the studio's future, stating, “Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in exceptional hands.” He also shared his personal plans to take a significant break after decades in the industry, embracing a period of rest before potentially engaging in mentoring or consulting in the future.
“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,” Kuittinen wrote. He reflected on the studio's journey from an independent Finnish developer to a key part of the PlayStation Studios family, highlighting achievements such as Supreme Snowboarding, Super Stardust HD, Resogun, Returnal, and Saros. Kuittinen extended gratitude to the broader games community, his industry peers, and all Housemarque team members for their support over the years.