Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, departures, and promotions in the video‑game sector can be a daunting task. That’s why we put together periodic round‑ups that capture the most noteworthy personnel moves across the industry.
If you know of a recent appointment or transition that belongs in this list, please forward the individual's name, new title, and company, as well as their previous role and employer, to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. Amir Satvat has taken on the role of General Partner at 1Up Ventures. Prior to this, he was the Business Development Director for Tencent Games, where he helped shape the company's strategic partnerships and growth initiatives. Satvat also founded and runs Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), an organization dedicated to helping job‑seekers find positions within the gaming world.
"I wanted a role where the impact of my decisions could be felt directly by a team and by the people we help place back into the industry," Satvat explained. "I’m passionate about turning more developers' dreams of creating games into reality, and I felt that working with smaller studios—games I love—within a community‑first environment would let me do that." He added, "My final goal was to collaborate with colleagues who share the same values and integrity I hold myself to.
Accepting 1Up’s invitation feels like all those aspirations are finally aligning." Satvat also praised 1Up’s position in the market: "1Up is a crucial player in the gaming ecosystem, and I hope its distinctive approach to game investment endures for many years to come." In another significant development, Ilari Kuittinen, co‑founder and Managing Director of Housemarque, has stepped down after an impressive 31‑year tenure. Kuittinen co‑established Housemarque in 1995 alongside Harri Tikkanen, merging their earlier studios Bloodhouse and Terramarque into what would become a celebrated independent developer. "Reflecting on my time here, I feel incredibly fortunate," Kuittinen said. "We were in the right place at the right time throughout three decades of explosive industry growth, which allowed us to stay fiercely independent for 26 years before joining the PlayStation Studios family." He continued, "The leadership transition has been carefully orchestrated behind the scenes.
On July 1, Sami ‘Haxu’ Hakala officially assumed the Managing Director position, and I have continued to support him and the rest of the leadership team to ensure seamless operational continuity. Housemarque’s strategic direction and creative vision are now in exceptionally capable hands." Tamara Feiman has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Lion Studios, the publishing arm of Tripledot Studios. Feiman’s journey with Lion began in 2020 as the EMEA Business Development Lead, later advancing to Publishing General Manager.
Her deep familiarity with the company’s culture and processes positions her well to steer its next phase of growth. "I joined Lion six years ago," Feiman remarked.
"Since then, I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the company through its biggest successes, challenges, and transformations. What has always set Lion apart is the way we collaborate with partner studios. Together we’ve taken risks, learned quickly, and turned great ideas into games enjoyed by millions." She emphasized the collaborative nature of the organization: "Lion has never been about any single individual. I’m fortunate to work with an outstanding team across publishing, growth, product, engineering, and market intelligence, as well as our talented studio partners worldwide." Additional personnel updates include Heather Sangria, who has been appointed Community Manager for Sega of America.
Sangria previously worked as a contract Social Strategist and Community Lead at One More Game and held a digital strategy and community management role at Undead Labs. At Activision Blizzard, Emily Rose Chen has been promoted to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise. Chen began her career at the company as a financial analyst in 2020, later moving into product management before earning this senior title. Similarly, Scot McCarron has advanced to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty at Activision Blizzard.
McCarron originally joined the firm in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises and has since risen through the ranks, most recently serving as Director of Product Management on the Call of Duty series. These moves illustrate the dynamic nature of talent mobility within the gaming sector, where seasoned professionals continue to shape the future of interactive entertainment through new leadership roles, strategic investments, and community‑focused initiatives.
The industry thrives on such transitions, as fresh perspectives and experienced guidance combine to drive innovation and sustain growth across studios of all sizes.