PlatinumGames Loses Another 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, who cited creative differences with the studio's direction. Kamiya's subsequent announcement as lead developer on Capcom's Okami sequel only amplified these anxieties.
Rumors of further departures from PlatinumGames, substantiated by developers removing studio mentions from their social media, have circulated since the Okami sequel announcement. Tinari's move to Helsinki, Finland, and his recent LinkedIn update confirming a lead game designer position at Housemarque, solidifies these concerns.
Tinari's new role at Housemarque, the studio behind the acclaimed Returnal, suggests he'll contribute to their currently unannounced new IP. While Housemarque's next project remains shrouded in secrecy, a reveal isn't expected 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, a new IP previously led by Kamiya, is now questionable. The studio's recent setbacks raise significant questions about the trajectory of its future projects.