In recent months, PlatinumGames has seen several notable departures, with the studio saying goodbye to multiple veterans, including the celebrated Hideki Kamiya. The latest departure comes from Abebe Tinari, the director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Tinari has confirmed that he is leaving PlatinumGames after more than a decade to take on the role of lead game designer at Housemarque, the studio known for Returnal.
Tinari’s Contributions to PlatinumGames
During his time at PlatinumGames, Tinari made significant contributions to several key projects:
- Star Fox Guard: Contributed to system design, enemy design, and UI specifications.
- Bayonetta 2: Involved in localization efforts for the Wii U version.
- Bayonetta Origins: Directed the 2023 action-adventure game, which served as a prequel to the Bayonetta series.
Tinari’s Social Media Message: Reassuring Fans
Before his official departure, Tinari removed references to PlatinumGames from his social media, leading to speculation about his future. In response, he shared a message expressing confidence in PlatinumGames’ future. He stated, “There are many talented Artists, Designers, Programmers, and Musicians still at PlatinumGames. I suggest you do not count them out yet. I can’t wait to see what they do next!”
Bayonetta Origins: A New Direction for the Franchise
Released exclusively for the Nintendo Switch in 2023, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon offered a fresh take on the Bayonetta universe. The game featured a storybook-style adventure that explored the origins of Bayonetta, providing fans with a deeper dive into the character’s backstory and expanding the series’ mythology.
PlatinumGames 15th Anniversary Celebration
Despite the departures, PlatinumGames is celebrating the Bayonetta franchise’s 15th anniversary with a year-long event dedicated to the original Bayonetta game. This milestone highlights the enduring impact of the franchise on the gaming world, even as the studio navigates through changes in its team, including Kamiya’s departure to collaborate on a new Okami game with Capcom.
Looking Ahead: The Future of PlatinumGames
With veteran talent like Tinari and Kamiya moving on, fans are eagerly watching to see what the future holds for both PlatinumGames and Housemarque. The departure of key figures doesn’t seem to signal the end of Bayonetta or PlatinumGames’ creative efforts, as both studios continue to shape the future of gaming.
Key Points:
- Abebe Tinari Leaves PlatinumGames: Director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon moves to Housemarque as lead game designer.
- Tinari’s History at Platinum: Worked on Star Fox Guard and Bayonetta 2, contributing to system design, enemy design, UI, and localization.
- Addressing Speculation: Tinari previously removed PlatinumGames references from social media and reassured fans, emphasizing the talented team still at the studio.
- Bayonetta Origins: Released in 2023 as a prequel to the Bayonetta trilogy, showcasing a storybook-style adventure on the Nintendo Switch.
- PlatinumGames 15th Anniversary Celebration: Announced a year-long event to celebrate the original Bayonetta game, despite notable departures like Hideki Kamiya’s exit to work on a new Okami project.