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. Kamiya's departure, fueled by creative differences, sparked initial anxieties, further intensified by the subsequent rumored departures of several top PlatinumGames developers.
Tinari's move to Housemarque, confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, sees him taking on a lead game designer role. The Helsinki-based studio, acquired by PlayStation after the successful launch of Returnal in 2021, is currently developing a new, unannounced IP – a project Tinari is likely contributing to. While an official reveal isn't anticipated before 2026, Tinari's expertise will undoubtedly bolster Housemarque's efforts.
The impact of these departures on PlatinumGames remains uncertain. 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 shrouded in doubt. The ongoing exodus of key talent raises significant questions about the studio's current trajectory and its ability to deliver future projects on schedule. The situation underscores a period of considerable change and uncertainty for the once-dominant developer.
