Summary
- The director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Abebe Tinari, has left PlatinumGames to take on a lead game designer role at Returnal developer Housemarque.
- PlatinumGames has experienced several key developer departures recently, raising concerns about the studio's future direction.
- Housemarque has been developing a new IP since the release of Returnal in 2021.
The director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Abebe Tinari, has recently departed from PlatinumGames to join Housemarque, the developers behind the critically acclaimed game Returnal. This move comes at a challenging time for PlatinumGames, as the departure of Tinari adds to the uncertainty surrounding the studio's current trajectory.
In September 2023, PlatinumGames faced a significant blow when Hideki Kamiya, a key figure and the creator of the Bayonetta series, announced his exit from the studio. Kamiya cited a misalignment between his vision and the direction PlatinumGames was pursuing. A year later, at The Game Awards 2024, Kamiya unveiled his new role leading the development of a sequel to Capcom's Okami under a revived Clover Studio, sparking further concerns about PlatinumGames' future.
Following Kamiya's announcement, rumors surfaced about other top developers leaving PlatinumGames, with several erasing mentions of the studio from their social media. One of these developers was Abebe Tinari, who confirmed his departure and relocation to Helsinki, Finland. Tinari's LinkedIn profile disclosed his new position as a lead game designer at Housemarque.
Bayonetta Origins Director Now Working on Housemarque's New IP
Housemarque, acquired by PlayStation after the release of Returnal in May 2021, has been diligently working on a new IP. With Tinari's expertise now part of the team, it's likely he'll contribute significantly to this project. While fans eagerly await news on Housemarque's next game, an announcement isn't expected until at least 2026.
For PlatinumGames, the impact of these high-profile departures on future projects remains uncertain. The studio recently announced a year-long celebration for the 15th anniversary of Bayonetta, hinting at potential new entries in the series. Additionally, PlatinumGames has been developing a new IP called Project GG since 2020, originally led by Hideki Kamiya. With Kamiya's departure, the progress of Project GG is now in question.
