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Another PlayStation Studio Cofounder Steps Down: ‘Housemarque’s Strategy And Creative Vision Are In Exceptional Hands’

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Another PlayStation Studio Cofounder Steps Down: ‘Housemarque’s Strategy And Creative Vision Are In Exceptional Hands’

Ilari Kuittinen is stepping down as managing director at Housemarque after 33 years of helping the Finnish developer ship exceptional arcade-style shooters. Sami “Haxu” Hakala, a veteran of the studio who briefly left to help Remedy Entertainment with Alan Wake 2, will be the new boss.

“We have been planning this leadership transition carefully behind the scenes,” Kuittinen wrote in a statement. “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 cofounded Terramarque back in 1994. A year later it would join with Bloodhouse to form Housemarque. Early releases included Supreme Snowboarding and The Reap. The studio’s fate became more closely intertwined with Sony following the launch of the PlayStation 3 exclusive Super Stardust HD. After perfecting the 2D arcade shooter, Housemarque branched out with 3D bullet hell roguelikes Returnal and Saros during the PS5 generation. Sony acquired the studio in 2021.

The timing of Kuittinen’s departure is notable, however. It comes a few months after Saros reportedly sold only 300,000 copies in its first few weeks and is the latest high-profile retirement at a PlayStation studios. Insomniac Games cofounder Ted Price stepped down in January 2025. Sucker Punch cofounder Brian Fleming stepped down in December 2025. The management changes come as Sony prepares for the launch of the PS6, which is currently expected sometime in late 2027 or early 2028, though nothing has been officially announced yet.


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