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. Kamiya's departure, fueled by creative differences, sparked initial worries, further intensified by the subsequent rumored departures of several top developers, who removed all PlatinumGames references from their online profiles.
Tinari's move to Housemarque, confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, sees him taking on a lead game designer role. This suggests he will likely contribute to Housemarque's currently unannounced new IP, a project the studio has been developing since the release of Returnal in 2021. While Housemarque's next game is unlikely to be revealed before 2026, Tinari's expertise will undoubtedly be a valuable asset.
The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains to be seen. While the studio is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary, with the possibility of a new installment in the franchise, the future of Project GG, a new IP previously spearheaded by Kamiya, is now uncertain. The loss of key creative talent raises questions about the studio's ongoing projects and overall direction. The situation highlights a period of significant change and potential challenges for the renowned Japanese developer.
