by 
Developer Housemarque says farewell to Ilari Kuittinen, one of its co-founders, after 31 years at the company.
The news comes alongside a lengthy final message, shared to social media today:
Kuittinen talks about starting the studio with "a passion for games but no real blueprint for building a business" all the way back in 1995.
Fortunately, things worked out; Housemarque has grown to become Finland's most established game studio, and has of course gone from strength to strength as part of PS Studios.
Subscribe to Push Square on YouTube171k
He started out in games in 1993 with Terramarque, which merged with Bloodhouse to form Housemarque just a couple of years later, and he's been there ever since.
"Beyond the walls of Housemarque and PlayStation, this journey would have been impossible without the broader games community. To the many friends, fellow founders, mentors, and industry peers across the world who have offered invaluable advice, a listening ear, or steady support over the last three decades: thank you.
This industry is defined not just by the games we create, but by the remarkable, generous people who make up its global community. The wisdom, camaraderie, and encouragement you've shared with me personally throughout the years mean more than I can express."
As for any changes among the team, Sami Hakala is now the managing director. He joined Housemarque back in 2021, just a couple of months before the release of Returnal.
Kuittinen says he plans on taking a "rare and well-deserved breather" but plans to rejoin the games industry in a mentor/consultant capacity.
"To Harri, our partners at SIE, our global industry friends, and every single team member who has ever walked through Housemarque's doors: thank you for making the past 31 years the privilege of a lifetime. Remember our guiding light: strive to be a better professional, and a better human being. Take care of each other, speak with courage, and keep pushing the boundaries of what games can be. Here's to the next decade!"