Creator of Bayonetta Leaves PlatinumGames
Hideki Kamiya is leaving PlatiniumGames after 17 years, but has no plans to end his gamedev adventure. The creator suggests we not let him out of our sight.
This morning we received an official announcement regarding major changes at one of Japan's most iconic game studios. The industry veteran, known for co-creating such games as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry or Bayonetta, finishes one and starts a new adventure.
A few hours ago, the official Twitter account of PlatiniumGames posted an unexpected announcement:
"We regret to announce that Hideki Kamiya will be leaving PlatinumGames on October 12, 2023.
We are truly grateful for his creative ideas, leadership and contribution to the growth of PlatinumGames from our start-up to this very day.
We believe that he will continue to succeed in his future endevours as a game creator. We look forward to seeing the game industry grow into a better place with him in it. We wish him all the best for the future!"
Hideki Kamiya, who began his career with Capcom, after leaving it in 2006, became co-founder and long-time vice president of PlatiniumGames. Him leaving one of the most ambitious, and successful, projects the studio has turned out is quite a surprise.
The creator in a very succinct manner referred to this news:
"As announced on the official PlatinumGames account, I will leave the studio on October 12, 2023. This decision came after a long reflection based on my own convictions and was not easy.
However, I feel this outcome is for the best. I will continue to create in my Hideki Kamiya way. I hope you'll keep your eyes peeled."
Statements published by the studio and the creator suggest that Hideki simply wants to continue developing on his own. We can, of course, come up with more convoluted theories as to the reasons for his actions, but the Japanese is such an eccentric character that we can expect anything from him.
In addition to being known for his contributions to such iconic brands as Nier: Automata, Star Fox, Metal Gear or the aforementioned Bayonetta, Hideki Kamiya is also associated by many with his unique activity on Twitter.
The creator publishes thoughts on the Internet even dozens of times a day, without being a fan of interacting with other users, of whom he already blocked more than a dozen thousand, which he proudly mentions on many occasions.
His colorful attitude in social media has lived to see references in video games, such as the announcement of the introduction of Bayonetta to Super Smash Bros (referring to the "ask your mom" line, which is one of Hideki's favorite retorts).
This irrepressible need to create on its own terms undoubtedly ties in with today's announcement and gives us factual reasons to eagerly await the fruits of "Hideki Kamiya style."
