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 growing concerns about PlatinumGames' future. Tinari's move to a lead game designer role at the Returnal developer follows a period of significant personnel changes at PlatinumGames.
This latest departure follows the September 2023 announcement of Hideki Kamiya's exit from PlatinumGames. Kamiya, the renowned creator of Bayonetta, cited creative differences as the reason for his departure, sparking speculation about the studio's direction. His subsequent involvement in a Capcom Okami sequel, announced at The Game Awards 2024, further fueled these concerns.
Following the Okami sequel announcement, rumors circulated of further departures from PlatinumGames, with several developers removing all mentions of the studio from their online profiles. Tinari's relocation to Helsinki, Finland, and his new position at Housemarque have now been confirmed.
Tinari's Expertise Joins Housemarque's New Project
Since the release of Returnal in May 2021 and its subsequent acquisition by PlayStation, Housemarque has been developing a new, unannounced IP. It's highly probable that Tinari will contribute to this project. However, an official reveal from Housemarque isn't anticipated before 2026.
The Impact on PlatinumGames
The impact of these high-profile departures on PlatinumGames remains uncertain. While the studio recently announced a year-long celebration for Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP in development since 2020 under Hideki Kamiya's leadership, is now questionable. The project's progress may have been significantly affected by Kamiya's departure.
