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 who removed all mention of PlatinumGames from their online profiles.
Tinari's move to Housemarque, confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, sees him taking on a lead game designer role. Housemarque, the studio behind the acclaimed Returnal, has been developing a new, unannounced IP since its acquisition by PlayStation in 2021, and Tinari is likely contributing to this project. An official reveal is not expected before 2026.
The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains uncertain. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP previously spearheaded by Kamiya, is now shrouded in doubt. The loss of key personnel raises questions about the studio's ongoing projects and overall direction.
