PlatinumGames Loses Key Developer 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, the creator of Bayonetta, in September 2023. Kamiya's departure, fueled by creative differences, sparked initial worries, further intensified by the subsequent rumored departures of several top developers who scrubbed their social media of PlatinumGames affiliations.

Tinari's move to Housemarque in Helsinki, Finland, has been confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, where he's listed as a Lead Game Designer. Given Housemarque's post-Returnal acquisition by PlayStation and ongoing work on a new, unannounced IP, it's highly probable Tinari will contribute to this project. An official reveal from Housemarque is unlikely 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, previously led by Kamiya, is now shrouded in doubt. The studio's current direction and the timeline for its upcoming projects are subject to considerable speculation. The loss of such experienced and influential developers undeniably casts a shadow over PlatinumGames' immediate future.