Summary
- The director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, Abebe Tinari, has left PlatinumGames to take up a lead game designer role at Returnal developer Housemarque.
- PlatinumGames has experienced the departure of several key developers recently, which has sparked 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 left PlatinumGames to join the team at Housemarque, the developers behind the acclaimed game Returnal. This move comes at a time when PlatinumGames is facing some uncertainty, highlighted by the departure of key creative talents.
In September 2023, PlatinumGames saw the exit of its renowned developer, Hideki Kamiya, who cited a misalignment with the studio's future direction as his reason for leaving. Kamiya, the creator of the Bayonetta series, later surprised the gaming community by announcing his leadership in the development of an Okami sequel at The Game Awards 2024, alongside the revival of Clover Studio. This news has fueled further speculation about the stability and future of PlatinumGames.
Following Kamiya's departure, rumors circulated about other high-profile exits from PlatinumGames, with some developers erasing any mention of the studio from their social media. Among these was Abebe Tinari, who confirmed his departure from PlatinumGames and relocation to Helsinki, Finland. Tinari's LinkedIn profile now reveals his new role as a lead game designer at Housemarque.
Bayonetta Origins Director Now Working on Housemarque's New IP
Since the release of Returnal in May 2021, and its subsequent acquisition by PlayStation, Housemarque has been quietly working on a new IP. With Tinari's expertise now at their disposal, it's likely he will contribute significantly to this project. While fans eagerly await more information, an official announcement from Housemarque isn't expected until at least 2026.
As for PlatinumGames, the impact of these high-profile departures on their future projects remains to be seen. The studio recently announced plans to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Bayonetta, which may include a new installment in the series. Additionally, PlatinumGames has been developing a new IP called Project GG since 2020, initially led by Hideki Kamiya. With Kamiya's departure, the progress of Project GG is uncertain.
By focusing on key developments and the implications of these moves, this article aims to provide a comprehensive and SEO-friendly update on the transitions within PlatinumGames and Housemarque.
