Hideki Kamiya is leaving PlatinumGames

Bayonetta and Wonderful 101 director, Hideki Kamiya, has announced he will be leaving PlatinumGames next month.

The company’s vice president and co-founder said on social media that he made the decision after “a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs” and suggested that he would continue to make games.

PlatinumGames said: “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 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 added: “As announced on the official PlatinumGames X account, I will be leaving PlatinumGames on October 12, 2023. This came after a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs. and was by no means an easy decision to make.”

He added: “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, but his career began at Capcom where he was best known for directing Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry and, at its spin-off Clover studio, Okami and Viewtiful Joe.

The designer has served as the most senior creative force at Platinum, where he oversaw its franchises such as Bayonetta and Astral Chain. Last year, Kamiya was promoted to vice president.

For the past few years he was working on Project GG, a superhero project, as its director. It’s not yet clear what will happen to the title.

Tokyo-based industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto told VGC that Kamiya’s departure will present a significant challenge for Platinum. Toto said he believes Kamiya will possibly resurface at another studio funded by one of the Chinese tech giants.

“Kamiya’s departure certainly is a shock for the Japanese video game industry and comes out of nowhere,” he said. “It will be very difficult for Platinum to replace him not only because of his skills and track record but also because of his image, unique character and large fanbase outside Japan.

“He may be financially independent already but probably too young to retire from the industry altogether. My suspicion is that he will resurface soon somewhere else, perhaps bankrolled by a Chinese company.”