Keeping up with the constant flow of hires, departures, and role changes across the video‑game sector can be a real challenge. That’s why we put together periodic round‑ups that capture the most noteworthy personnel moves in one convenient place. If your organization has recently announced a new appointment, promotion, or transition that you think belongs in this list, please forward the relevant details – the name of the individual, the new title, the company, and the previous position and employer – to newhires@gamesindustry.biz. Amir Satvat has taken on the role of General Partner at 1Up Ventures.
Before joining the venture firm, Satvat spent several years as Business Development Director at Tencent Games, where he helped shape strategic partnerships and expansion initiatives. He is also the founder and driving force behind Always Supporting the Games Community (ASGC), a platform dedicated to helping job seekers navigate the gaming industry and connect with opportunities. "I wanted a role where the impact of my work could be felt more directly, where I could collaborate with a close‑knit team and help people get back to work on the projects they love," Satvat explained.
"I’m passionate about turning the dreams of aspiring developers into reality, and I felt that a smaller‑studio‑focused environment would allow me to do that most effectively. Community‑first values have always guided me, and I was eager to find a place that shared that ethos." He added, "1Up Ventures is a pivotal player in the gaming ecosystem, and I hope to contribute to the longevity of its distinctive investment philosophy, which champions innovative, independent studios." In other news, Ilari Kuittinen, co‑founder and Managing Director of Housemarque, has stepped down after an impressive 31‑year tenure. Kuittinen co‑established Housemarque in 1995 together with Harri Tikkanen, following the merger of their earlier studios, Bloodhouse and Terramarque. "Reflecting on the journey, I feel incredibly 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 continued, "The leadership transition has been carefully planned behind the scenes. On 1 July, Sami ‘Haxu’ Hakala officially assumed the Managing Director position, and I have remained on hand to support him and the broader leadership team, ensuring seamless operational continuity. Housemarque’s strategic direction and creative vision are now in very capable hands." Tamara Feiman has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Lion Studios, the publishing arm of Tripledot Studios.
Feiman’s journey with Lion began in 2020 when she joined as the EMEA Business Development Lead, later moving into the role of Publishing General Manager. "I first joined Lion six years ago," Feiman reflected. "Since then I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside the company through its biggest wins, its toughest challenges, and its many transformations.
What makes Lion unique is the way we collaborate with partner studios – we take risks together, learn quickly, and turn great concepts into games that reach millions of players." "Lion has never been about any single individual. I’m lucky to work with an extraordinary team spanning publishing, growth, product, engineering, and market intelligence, as well as with talented studio partners around the globe," she added.
Heather Sangria has been appointed Community Manager for Sega of America. Prior to this role, Sangria worked as a contract social strategist and community lead at One More Game and held a digital strategy and community management position at Undead Labs. Emily Rose Chen has been elevated to Senior Product Manager for the Call of Duty franchise at Activision Blizzard. Chen originally joined the company as a financial analyst in 2020 and later transitioned into product management, where she has driven key features and roadmap decisions for the flagship series.
Scot McCarron has also received a promotion at Activision Blizzard, moving up to Senior Director of Product Management for Call of Duty. McCarron first arrived at Activision in 2018 as a Product Marketing Manager for emerging franchises, later advancing to Director of Product Management before assuming his new senior‑director responsibilities. These appointments underscore the dynamic nature of talent movement within the gaming industry, highlighting both the rise of seasoned veterans into strategic leadership positions and the infusion of fresh perspectives that continue to shape the future of interactive entertainment.