Platinum breaks silence, pledges to ‘continue to create games that surprise’

PlatinumGames has published a statement regarding its future, weeks after its influential former creative director Hideki Kamiya announced a new studio backed by Capcom.

Since Kamiya’s announcement in September 2023 that he was leaving the company he co-founded, Platinum’s communications have been mostly muted, beyond announcing deals and promotions for its existing games.

On Monday, the Osaka, Japan-based studio seemingly broke this silence with news that it will be marking the Bayonetta series’ 15^th anniversary this year in various ways.

Alongside the news, Platinum published a statement regarding the future of the company, amid speculation that many of its lead creators could have followed Kamiya out of the company.

Metal Gear Rising director Kenji Saito, Astral Chain director Takahisa Taura, and Anarchy Reigns director Masaki Yamanaka, all removed the “PG” from their social media handles last month.

“Over the past 15 years, we have been able to walk alongside Bayonetta and the series’ charming cast of characters,” the statement reads. “Bringing joy to so many people through Bayonetta has been an invaluable journey for us.

“Moving forward, we will continue to take on new challenges to create games that surprise and delight our fans. We look forward to your continued support of Bayonetta and PlatinumGames!”

Hideki Kamiya’s Platinum exit came as a surprise to many outside onlookers. For nearly two decades, the Bayonetta and Wonderful 101 director was the studio’s creative leader and its vice president.

Speaking to VGC in a recent interview to discuss his new studio, Clovers, Kamiya explained the reason for his departure.

“If I was satisfied at Platinum, then I wouldn’t have left,” he said. “There’s a way I believe games should be made: a philosophy, a mindset of how games should be made. Koyama approached me, and we shared the same mindset and philosophy about game development.”

Asked if he was concerned that Platinum might react negatively to Clovers, especially considering it was actively hiring former employees, Kamiya said he was more concerned for the future of his former team members there.

“If there was one thing I am worried about, it’s the fact that I was VP and chief game designer of PlatinumGames. And so with me quitting, I worry about the people there, the staff there,” he said.

“Of course, if they’re motivated and happy at Platinum, I believe that’s the right path for them. But if there are others whose mindset aligns more with what we’re building here at Clovers, we want to welcome them and provide a path for them, too. I see that as a responsibility I have to those people after leaving Platinum.”