Former Bayonetta Origins Director Joins Sony\'s Housemarque

Key Departures Shake Up PlatinumGames

PlatinumGames, known for its stylish action titles, is facing a significant talent exodus. Abebe Tinari, director of the critically-received Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, has left the studio to become a lead game designer at Housemarque, the developer behind Returnal. This follows the high-profile departure of Hideki Kamiya, creator of the Bayonetta series, in September 2023. Kamiya's move to lead development on a Capcom Okami sequel fueled concerns about PlatinumGames' future direction. Further adding to the uncertainty, several other key developers have reportedly left the company, deleting all mentions of PlatinumGames from their online profiles.

Tinari's move to Housemarque in Helsinki, Finland, adds to the growing speculation surrounding PlatinumGames' internal shifts. Housemarque, a PlayStation-owned studio, is currently developing a new, unannounced IP, and Tinari's expertise is likely to be instrumental in this project. An official reveal from Housemarque isn't anticipated before 2026.

The Impact on PlatinumGames' Future Projects

The long-term effects of these departures on PlatinumGames remain unclear. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP helmed by Kamiya, is now uncertain. The departure of such key figures raises questions about the studio's ongoing projects and its overall creative trajectory. The coming months will be crucial in determining how PlatinumGames navigates this period of significant change.