Ilari Kuittinen, a co-founder of Housemarque Studio, has announced his retirement after dedicating 31 years to the company. Housemarque shared a final message from him on their X account today, outlining plans for leadership transition and the studio’s future direction.
Today marks his last day as part of the Housemarque team, as he steps down after three decades. During his time at the studio, he contributed to acclaimed titles including Resogun, Returnal, and the recent Saros. The company publicized his departure in a post on X earlier today.
Kuittinen began his career in game development in 1993 at Terrmarque and later co-founded Housemarque alongside Harri Tikkanen. The studio maintained its independence for over 25 years before joining PlayStation Studios in 2021, fueled by the worldwide success of Returnal, which remains one of the top PlayStation Plus games.
He fostered an environment that encouraged creators to fully express their vision without restrictions. “My main goal as a leader has always been simple: to create an environment where talented creators have the freedom and security to do their best work,” he shared.
Throughout his tenure, Kuittinen reached notable milestones, elevating Finnish game development onto the global stage. His portfolio includes classic arcade titles like Supreme Snowboarding, Super Stardust HD, and Resogun, as well as blockbuster hits like Returnal and Saros, both of which refine what challenging games can achieve.
In summary, Kuittinen played a crucial role in transforming Housemarque into a leading AAA studio while maintaining its distinctive creative spirit. He also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the gaming community:
“Beyond Housemarque and PlayStation, this journey wouldn’t have been possible without the larger gaming community. To all the friends, fellow founders, mentors, and industry peers worldwide who have offered advice, support, or simply listened over the past three decades—thank you,” he said.
In his closing message, he revealed that he has been quietly preparing for the leadership change. He has mentored Sami “Haxu” Hakala, who recently stepped into the role of Managing Director, along with the rest of the leadership team, to ensure smooth operations and stability moving forward.
Kuittinen emphasized that Housemarque’s strategic direction and creative vision are in “excellent hands.” He also shared his plans for the future, stating that after an impressive 33-year career in the industry, he intends to take some time off and is not pursuing any new milestones at the moment.
Despite retiring, he plans to stay engaged with the gaming world by attending trade shows, game showcases, and awards, including The Game Awards. He’s also considering mentorship or consulting roles later on.
[Company logo or signature images omitted for clarity.]