Bayonetta Director Joins Housemarque

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 about PlatinumGames' future. This follows the high-profile exit of Hideki Kamiya, creator of the Bayonetta series, in September 2023. Kamiya's departure, attributed to creative differences, sparked initial worries, further fueled by the subsequent rumored departures of several top developers who scrubbed their social media of PlatinumGames affiliations.

Tinari's move to Housemarque, confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, sees him taking on a lead game designer role. This Helsinki-based studio, known for the acclaimed Returnal, has been developing a new, unannounced IP since its 2021 release and acquisition by PlayStation. Tinari's expertise is likely to contribute significantly to this project, although a reveal isn't anticipated before 2026.

The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains to be seen. While the studio recently announced a year-long Bayonetta 15th-anniversary celebration—potentially hinting at a new installment—the future of Project GG, a new IP spearheaded by the now-departed Kamiya, is uncertain. The ongoing exodus of key talent raises significant questions about the studio's current trajectory and the potential delays or alterations to its upcoming projects.