Ilari Kuittinen has left his position as managing director of Housemarque after 33 years in the games industry and 31 years with the Finnish studio he helped establish. Sami “Haxu” Hakala has taken over the role after years at Housemarque, including a short period working with Remedy Entertainment on Alan Wake 2.
The leadership change was formally completed on July 1, while Kuittinen remained available to support Hakala and the wider leadership team until the end of August. Housemarque described the handover as a carefully prepared process intended to protect operational continuity and stability in a statement.
“Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in exceptional hands,” Kuittinen said in his farewell message.
The announcement was shared publicly on August 31, 2026, alongside a message from the departing cofounder.
From Terramarque to a PlayStation studio
Kuittinen began his development career with Terramarque in 1993. In 1995, Terramarque joined Bloodhouse, creating Housemarque with Harri Tikkanen. The studio’s early catalogue included Supreme Snowboarding and The Reap.
Housemarque’s relationship with Sony grew significantly after the release of the PlayStation 3 exclusive Super Stardust HD. Having built its reputation on fast, precise 2D arcade shooters, the developer later expanded into 3D bullet-hell roguelikes with Returnal and Saros during the PlayStation 5 generation. Sony acquired Housemarque in 2021.
That arcade design lineage remains relevant to players exploring modern arcade news and gaming history, particularly as studios continue adapting classic score-chasing action for contemporary hardware.
A farewell after three decades
In his full farewell, Kuittinen reflected on Housemarque’s 26 years as an independent developer before joining the PlayStation Studios family. He said his main responsibility as a leader had been creating a safe, supportive environment where talented developers could work freely.
He highlighted Housemarque’s role in bringing Finnish development to an international audience, the studio’s defining games—including Supreme Snowboarding, Super Stardust HD, Resogun, Returnal and Saros—and its progression from an independent team into a major AAA developer without losing its creative identity.
Kuittinen also thanked Housemarque and PlayStation staff, fellow founders, mentors and colleagues across the international games industry. He described the community surrounding game development as central to his career.
What comes next for Kuittinen and Housemarque?
After 33 consecutive years without a major break, Kuittinen plans to take time away from full-time work from September. He referred to writer David Deida’s “Man of Zero” concept, which focuses on learning to exist without constantly pursuing another milestone.
He does not intend to disappear from games entirely. Kuittinen expects to remain connected with the industry, attend trade shows and award events, and potentially take on mentoring or consulting work later.
The timing has attracted attention because it follows reports that Saros had reportedly sold 300,000 copies during its first few weeks. The figure has not been presented here as an official sales result.
Kuittinen’s retirement is also part of a wider run of senior departures from PlayStation studios. Insomniac Games cofounder Ted Price stepped down in January 2025, followed by Sucker Punch cofounder Brian Fleming in December 2025.
These changes arrive while Sony prepares for its next console generation. The PlayStation 6 is currently expected sometime in late 2027 or early 2028, although Sony has not officially announced a release date.
Hakala takes the reins
With Hakala now leading the studio, Housemarque is entering its next phase under a manager familiar with its creative culture. Kuittinen’s message expressed confidence in the new leadership and encouraged the team to keep improving both as professionals and as people.
His final message also urged colleagues to care for one another, speak honestly and continue testing the boundaries of what games can be. For an overview of the hardware that brings arcade-style action into Australian homes, explore RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide or browse the available arcade machines.
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