Former Bayonetta Origins Director Joins Sony\'s Housemarque

PlatinumGames Loses Key Director 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, sparking uncertainty about the studio's direction.

Tinari's move to Housemarque, the Returnal developer, was confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, revealing a new role as Lead Game Designer. His relocation to Helsinki, Finland, further solidifies this transition. The timing coincides with rumors of other key PlatinumGames developers leaving the studio, deleting all references to their employment on social media.

This exodus comes on the heels of Kamiya's surprising announcement at The Game Awards 2024 that he'd be leading development on Capcom's Okami sequel, reigniting concerns about PlatinumGames' trajectory.

Tinari's expertise is likely to be utilized on Housemarque's currently unannounced new IP, a project underway since the release of Returnal in 2021. While Housemarque's next game is anticipated, a reveal isn't expected before 2026.

The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains to be seen. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, potentially hinting at a new installment, the future of Project GG, a new IP helmed by the now-departed Kamiya, is uncertain. The project's development timeline may be significantly affected by this leadership change. The recent departures raise questions about the studio's ability to maintain its momentum and deliver on its ambitious projects.