Housemarque Co-Founder Ilari Kuittinen Announces Exit from Saros Developer After 31 Years
ign.com Aug 31, 2026

Housemarque Co-Founder Ilari Kuittinen Announces Exit from Saros Developer After 31 Years

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Ilari Kuittinen, co‑founder of Finnish studio Housemarque, announced his departure after 31 years with the PlayStation‑owned developer, marking his final day on August 31, 2026. In a lengthy farewell letter he reflected on the studio’s evolution from a 1995 shoot‑‘em‑up outfit to a AAA developer behind titles such as Resogun, Alienation, Nex Machina, Returnal and the recent Saros. Kuittinen highlighted Housemarque’s 26‑year independence, its integration into Sony’s PlayStation Studios in 2021, and its reputation for giving creators freedom. The transition was pre‑planned; veteran Sami “Haxu” Hakala assumed the managing‑director role on July 1, 2026. Kuittinen said he will take a break after three decades of continuous work.

💡 Why It Matters

  • · Kuittinen’s exit signals the end of an era for a studio that has shaped PlayStation’s shooter legacy and now faces a new leadership era without its founding visionary.