Noted 'Bayonetta' Designer Heads to Housemarque

Key Departures at PlatinumGames and Housemarque's New Project

PlatinumGames, known for titles like Bayonetta, has experienced a significant wave of developer departures, raising concerns about the studio's future trajectory. This follows the September 2023 announcement of Hideki Kamiya's exit, a prominent figure behind the Bayonetta series. Kamiya's departure, attributed to creative differences, was further highlighted by his subsequent role leading development on Capcom's Okami sequel.

Adding to the uncertainty, several other key developers, including Abebe Tinari, director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, have reportedly left PlatinumGames. Tinari's recent LinkedIn profile update confirms his relocation to Helsinki, Finland, and his new position as a lead game designer at Housemarque, the studio behind the acclaimed Returnal.

Tinari's move to Housemarque, acquired by PlayStation in 2021, suggests his involvement in their currently unannounced new IP. While Housemarque's next project remains shrouded in secrecy, a 2026 reveal is anticipated by many.

The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames' upcoming projects, including a potential new Bayonetta title and the long-in-development Project GG, remains to be seen. The studio's recent announcement of a year-long Bayonetta 15th-anniversary celebration hints at potential future announcements, but the absence of Kamiya from Project GG raises questions about its progress. The situation underscores a period of significant change and uncertainty for both PlatinumGames and the industry.