Former Bayonetta Origins Director Joins Sony\'s Housemarque

PlatinumGames Loses Key Developer to Housemarque

The director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Abebe Tinari, has left PlatinumGames for a lead game designer position at Housemarque, the studio behind Returnal. This departure follows other recent high-profile exits from PlatinumGames, fueling concerns about the studio's future direction.

PlatinumGames' instability began with the September 2023 announcement of Hideki Kamiya's departure. Kamiya, the renowned creator of Bayonetta, cited creative differences with the studio's overall vision. His subsequent involvement with a Capcom Okami sequel, announced at The Game Awards 2024, further heightened anxieties about PlatinumGames' trajectory.

Following the Okami announcement, rumors circulated about additional departures from PlatinumGames, with several developers removing all studio-related content from their social media. Tinari's move to Helsinki, Finland, and his recent LinkedIn update confirming his new role at Housemarque, confirm these concerns.

Tinari's New Role at Housemarque

Since the release of Returnal in May 2021 and subsequent acquisition by PlayStation, Housemarque has been developing a new, unannounced IP. Tinari's expertise is likely to contribute significantly to this project. While a release date remains unconfirmed, many speculate an unveiling isn't expected before 2026.

PlatinumGames' Uncertain Future

The impact of these high-profile departures on PlatinumGames' upcoming projects remains to be seen. The studio recently announced a year-long celebration for Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment in the series. Furthermore, development continues on Project GG, a new IP initiated in 2020, though its progress is now uncertain given Kamiya's departure. The future of Project GG and the overall direction of PlatinumGames are now open questions.