Key Departures at PlatinumGames and Housemarque's New Project

PlatinumGames, known for its action titles like Bayonetta, has experienced a significant exodus of key developers recently. This follows the September 2023 departure of Hideki Kamiya, the creator of Bayonetta, who cited creative differences with the studio's direction. Kamiya's subsequent role leading development on Capcom's Okami sequel further fueled concerns about PlatinumGames' future.

Adding to this uncertainty, Abebe Tinari, director of the 2023 title Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, has left PlatinumGames. Tinari's LinkedIn profile confirms his move to Helsinki, Finland, to assume a lead game designer position at Housemarque, the studio behind the acclaimed Returnal.

Tinari's transition to Housemarque is particularly noteworthy given the studio's current focus on a new, unannounced IP since its 2021 acquisition by PlayStation. While the specifics of Tinari's role remain undisclosed, his expertise is likely contributing to this project, anticipated for release no earlier than 2026.

The Impact on PlatinumGames

The departures of Kamiya and Tinari, along with other rumored exits, raise questions about the impact on PlatinumGames' upcoming projects. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP previously overseen by Kamiya, remains uncertain. The extent to which these departures will affect development timelines and creative direction is yet to be seen. The situation underscores a period of significant transition and uncertainty for the studio.