Bayonetta Origins Dev Departs for Sony's Housemarque

Key Departures at PlatinumGames and Housemarque's New Project

PlatinumGames, the studio behind the Bayonetta franchise, has experienced a significant exodus of key developers recently, fueling speculation about the studio's future trajectory. This follows the September 2023 departure of Hideki Kamiya, the renowned creator of Bayonetta, who cited creative differences with the studio's direction. Kamiya's subsequent involvement with a Capcom Okami sequel further heightened concerns.

Adding to this uncertainty, Abebe Tinari, director of the critically-received Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, has left PlatinumGames. Tinari's LinkedIn profile confirms his relocation to Helsinki, Finland, and his new role as a Lead Game Designer at Housemarque, the PlayStation-owned studio behind the acclaimed Returnal.

Tinari's move to Housemarque suggests he'll contribute to their currently unannounced new intellectual property (IP), a project in development since the 2021 release of Returnal. While Housemarque's next game is anticipated, a reveal isn't expected before 2026.

The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains unclear. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP previously led by Kamiya, is now uncertain. The studio's upcoming projects will reveal the true extent of these departures' influence.

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