Former Bayonetta Origins Director Joins Sony\'s Housemarque

PlatinumGames Loses Key Director to Housemarque

The departure of Abebe Tinari, director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, from PlatinumGames to Housemarque, adds to the growing concerns surrounding PlatinumGames' future. This follows the high-profile exit of Hideki Kamiya, creator of the Bayonetta series, in September 2023. Kamiya's departure, attributed to creative differences, sparked initial worries, further fueled by the subsequent rumored departures of several top developers.

Tinari's move to Housemarque, confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, sees him taking on a lead game designer role. This suggests a significant loss for PlatinumGames, especially considering the recent success of Bayonetta Origins. His relocation to Helsinki, Finland, strongly indicates his involvement in Housemarque's currently unannounced new IP, a project the studio has been developing since the release of Returnal in 2021. An official reveal from Housemarque is unlikely before 2026.

The Impact on PlatinumGames

The extent of these departures' impact on PlatinumGames remains uncertain. While the studio announced a year-long celebration for Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, hinting at a potential new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP in development since 2020 under Kamiya's direction, is now questionable. Kamiya's unexpected role leading development on Capcom's Okami sequel further complicates the situation, leaving the progress of Project GG shrouded in uncertainty. The cumulative effect of these high-profile exits raises legitimate questions about PlatinumGames' upcoming projects and overall trajectory.