PlatinumGames is commemorating the 15th anniversary of the original Bayonetta with a year-long celebration, expressing gratitude to fans for their enduring support. The initial release, lauded for its innovative design and exhilarating gameplay, spawned sequels exclusively on Nintendo platforms. Throughout 2025, expect special Bayonetta-themed merchandise and announcements, with further details forthcoming.
The original Bayonetta, released October 29, 2009 (Japan) and January 2010 (globally), was helmed by Hideki Kamiya, renowned for Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe. Players embody Bayonetta, a formidable Umbra Witch, battling supernatural foes with guns, dynamic martial arts, and magically-enhanced hair.
The game's creative premise and fast-paced action garnered critical acclaim, solidifying Bayonetta's status as a prominent female video game anti-hero. While Sega published the original across multiple platforms, Nintendo published the subsequent sequels as exclusive titles for the Wii U and Nintendo Switch. A prequel, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, featuring a younger Bayonetta, launched on Switch in 2023. Bayonetta also appears as a playable character in recent Super Smash Bros. installments.
PlatinumGames recently announced its "Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year," promising various special announcements throughout 2025. Specific plans remain under wraps, but the developer encourages fans to follow their social media for updates.
Celebrating 15 Years of Bayonetta
Wayo Records has already released a limited-edition Bayonetta music box, featuring the Super Mirror design and "Theme Of Bayonetta - Mysterious Destiny" by Masami Ueda. PlatinumGames is also providing monthly Bayonetta-themed smartphone calendar wallpapers, with January's showcasing Bayonetta and Jeanne in kimonos.
Even after 15 years, the original Bayonetta remains influential, refining stylish action gameplay by introducing innovations like Witch Time, and influencing subsequent PlatinumGames titles like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Nier: Automata. Fans eagerly await further announcements throughout this special anniversary year.
