Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya is leaving PlatinumGames soon
So, what will this mean for Bayonetta and other PlatinumGames titles?
In what is a surprise to almost everyone, Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101 creator Hideki Kamiya is set to leave PlatinumGames this October.
The news of his upcoming departure was announced via the PlatinumGames official X account. In the letter, PlatinumGames revealed that Kamiya will leave the company on October 12, 2023. Though aside from announcing the departure and sharing well wishes, the letter did not reveal much about his departure.
— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) September 25, 2023
Shortly after, Kamiya shared on his personal X account that he “after a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs.” Though he believes that him leaving is for the best. He also said that fans should keep their eyes peeled, indicating that he’ll probably resurface in another company soon.
However, I feel this outcome is for the best.
I will continue to create in my Hideki Kamiya way.
I hope you'll keep your eyes peeled.
(2/2)— 神谷英樹 Hideki Kamiya (@PG_kamiya) September 25, 2023
Kamiya started his career at Capcom where he directed lots of popular titles like Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Okami. In 2006, he left Capcom and co-founded PlatinumGames. He then went on to direct Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101 while serving as a key creative figure within the company.
With Hideki Kamiya soon leaving PlatinumGames, many are wondering if this will mean the end of Bayonetta and if it will be the end of an era for the studio. Only time will tell what PlatinumGames’ plans are though.
Meanwhile, it’s believed by industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto (via VGC) that it’s possible that Kamiya will resurface at another studio that’s backed by a Chinese tech giant. This wouldn’t be too surprising, especially considering that this was the case with Toshihiro Nagoshi who departed Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio back in 2021 to found a new studio that’s backed by NetEase.