PlatinumGames Celebrates Bayonetta's 15th Anniversary with a Year of Festivities
To commemorate the enduring legacy of Bayonetta, PlatinumGames is launching a year-long celebration, expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support. The original game, released October 29, 2009 (Japan) and January 2010 (globally), captivated audiences with its innovative design and exhilarating gameplay, a hallmark of director Hideki Kamiya's signature style. This stylish action title, featuring Bayonetta, a formidable Umbra Witch wielding guns, martial arts, and magically-enhanced hair, quickly established itself as a classic.
Bayonetta's initial success, published by Sega across multiple platforms, paved the way for two highly acclaimed sequels, exclusively released on Nintendo platforms (Wii U and Nintendo Switch). A prequel, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, further enriched the franchise in 2023, showcasing a younger Bayonetta. The character's enduring popularity is evident in her inclusion as a playable fighter in recent Super Smash Bros. installments.
PlatinumGames recently announced a dedicated "Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year" for 2025, promising a series of special announcements and releases. While specifics remain under wraps, the developer encourages fans to follow their social media channels for updates.
Bayonetta's 15th Anniversary: A Look Ahead
The celebration has already begun! Wayo Records has released a limited-edition Bayonetta music box, beautifully designed after Bayonetta's Super Mirror and featuring Masami Ueda's iconic "Theme Of Bayonetta - Mysterious Destiny." PlatinumGames is also providing monthly Bayonetta-themed smartphone wallpapers, with January's image showcasing Bayonetta and Jeanne in kimonos under a moonlit sky.
Fifteen years after its debut, the original Bayonetta continues to be lauded for its refinement of stylish action, introducing innovative mechanics like Witch Time and influencing subsequent PlatinumGames titles, including Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Nier: Automata. Fans eagerly anticipate the exciting announcements planned throughout this special anniversary year.