Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, promotions, and departures across the video‑game sector can be a real challenge. To make it easier for readers, we put together periodic round‑ups that capture the most noteworthy personnel changes. If you know of any new appointments or role shifts that belong in this list, please forward the name, new title, and company, along with the previous position and employer, to newhires@gamesindustry.biz.
One of the headline moves this month is the arrival of Amir Satvat at 1Up Ventures, where he has taken on the role of general partner. Satvat comes to the firm after a stint as Business Development Director at Tencent Games, where he helped shape the company’s global publishing strategy. In addition to his corporate experience, he founded and runs the Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), an initiative that connects job‑seekers with opportunities throughout the gaming ecosystem.
"I wanted a role where the impact of my decisions could be felt directly by the teams I work with and, ultimately, by the people who get back into game development," Satvat explained. "My goal has always been to help turn the dreams of aspiring developers into reality.
I also wanted to focus on smaller studios because I’m passionate about the creativity that emerges from those environments, and I wanted to be part of a community‑first culture." He continued, "My final wish was to work alongside colleagues who share the same values and integrity that I strive for. Accepting the invitation to join 1Up feels like all those wishes are finally coming together." Satvat also praised 1Up’s position in the market, stating, "1Up is a crucial player in the games ecosystem, and I hope its distinctive approach to investing in studios endures for many years to come." The round‑up also notes a major leadership transition at Housemarque. After a remarkable 31‑year tenure, co‑founder and Managing Director Ilari Kuittinen is stepping down.
Kuittinen, who launched Housemarque in 1995 together with Harri Tikkanen after merging their respective studios Bloodhouse and Terramarque, reflected on his time at the helm. "Looking back, I feel immensely fortunate," Kuittinen said.
"We were in the right place at the right time during three decades of explosive industry growth, which allowed us to remain fiercely independent for 26 years before becoming part of the PlayStation Studios family." He added that the succession plan had been carefully orchestrated behind the scenes. On July 1, Sami "Haxu" Hakala officially assumed the Managing Director position, and Kuittinen has continued to support Hakala and the broader leadership team to guarantee seamless operational continuity. "Housemarque’s strategy and creative vision are in exceptional hands," Kuittinen affirmed. Another significant appointment comes from Tripledot Studios’ Lion Studios, which has named Tamara Feiman as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Feiman’s history with Lion stretches back to 2020, when she joined as the EMEA Business Development Lead and later moved into a publishing General Manager role. "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 our partner studios. Together we’ve taken risks, learned quickly, and turned great ideas into games that are 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 incredible team across publishing, growth, product, engineering, and market intelligence, as well as our talented studio partners around the world." The update also includes several promotions within major publishers.
Heather Sangria 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 elevated to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise. Chen originally joined the company as a financial analyst in 2020 and later transitioned into product management, where she has overseen key features and live‑service updates. In the same vein, Scot McCarron has earned a promotion to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty. McCarron began his Activision career in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises, later moving into product management and now overseeing a senior leadership team responsible for the franchise’s roadmap and strategic direction.
These movements illustrate the dynamic nature of talent flow in the gaming industry, where experienced professionals often shift between development, publishing, and community roles, bringing fresh perspectives and driving innovation across the sector. The continued emphasis on community‑first approaches, support for smaller studios, and strategic investment underscores the evolving priorities of both established publishers and venture firms as they navigate an increasingly competitive market.