Bayonetta Origins' Ex-Director Leads Housemarque

Bayonetta Origins Director Departs PlatinumGames for Housemarque

PlatinumGames, the studio behind the Bayonetta series, has experienced a significant departure. Abebe Tinari, director of the critically-received Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, has left the company to join Housemarque, the developer of Returnal, in a lead game designer role. This follows recent departures from PlatinumGames, including Hideki Kamiya, raising questions about the studio's future direction.

Tinari's move to Housemarque, based in Helsinki, Finland, adds to the uncertainty surrounding PlatinumGames. Kamiya's departure in September 2023, citing creative differences, was followed by rumors of other key developers leaving the Osaka-based studio. Tinari's LinkedIn profile confirms his new position.

The timing of Tinari's departure is noteworthy. Kamiya's unexpected announcement at The Game Awards 2024 that he would lead development on Capcom's Okami sequel, reviving Clover Studio, fueled concerns about PlatinumGames' future.

Housemarque, a PlayStation-owned studio, has been developing a new, unannounced IP since the release of Returnal in 2021. Tinari's expertise is likely to contribute to this project, although a release date is not expected before 2026.

The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains to be seen. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP helmed by Kamiya, is now uncertain. The studio's next steps will be closely watched by fans and the industry.