Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya leaving PlatinumGames

UPDATE 26/09/23: Hideki Kamiya has commented further on his departure from PlatinumGames, thanking fans for their support.

"I thought I'd be bullied more because of my usual behaviour, but I'm so touched by all the words of support I've received. Thank you so much," he posted on X, formerly Twitter (as translated by VGC).

"I'm not worried about my future at all. As long as I have your support, I'll keep making games, and I'll do my best not to disappoint you."

He continued: "When I decided to quit, many of my old and young colleagues and staff were sad to see me go, and some even shed tears for someone like me. I realised once again that I was only able to be who I am because of the support of the people around me. I will continue to be grateful for the help of others.

"I will continue to believe in the spirit of creation that I have always believed in through my career at Capcom No 4 Development, Clover Studio and Platinum, no matter what anyone says. I don't know if I'll be able to continue to make games that live up to that belief - I don't have a formula for success, but I'm committed to aiming for it."

It remains unclear what's next for Kamiya.

ORIGINAL STORY 25/09/2023: Hideki Kamiya, creator of Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101, has announced he will leave developer PlatinumGames.

The news was broken on PlatinumGames' X (formerly Twitter) account, in a message that revealed Kamiya's final day as 12th October.

"We are truly grateful for his creative ideas, leadership, and contribution to the growth of PlatinumGames from our start-up to this very day," the statement reads.

"We believe that he will continue to succeed in his future endeavours as a game creator. We are looking forward to seeing the game industry grow into a better place with him in it. We wish him all the best for the future."

Kamiya followed up with his own post.

"This came after a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs and was by no means an easy decision to make," he said.

"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."

Kamiya co-founded PlatinumGames in 2006, alongside Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. The two previously worked together at Capcom on the Resident Evil and Devil May Cry series.

Then, at the Capcom-founded Clover Studio, Kamiya directed Viewtiful Joe and Okami, before leaving to set up PlatinumGames with Mikami and Clover CEO Atsushi Inaba. There Kamiya was best known for creating the Bayonetta series.

It's unclear what Kamiya will work on next, whether he'll found a new studio or move to an existing developer. It's also unclear what PlatinumGames is currently developing, following the release of Bayonetta spin-off Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon back in March.

Earlier this year, Mikami announced his departure from Tango Gameworks, shortly after the release of Hi-Fi Rush. Could the two be joining forces once more?