PlatinumGames Loses Another Key Developer 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, creator of the Bayonetta franchise, in September 2023. Kamiya's departure, attributed to creative differences, sparked initial worries, further fueled by the subsequent rumored departures of several top developers who removed all PlatinumGames mentions from their online profiles.

Tinari's move to Housemarque in Helsinki, Finland, was confirmed via his LinkedIn profile, revealing he's taken on a lead game designer role. This suggests he'll likely contribute to Housemarque's currently unannounced new IP, a project the studio has been developing since the release of Returnal in 2021. While Housemarque's next title isn't expected before 2026, Tinari's expertise will undoubtedly be a valuable asset.

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 Kamiya, is now shrouded in doubt. The loss of key creative talent raises questions about the studio's ongoing projects and overall direction. The situation underscores a period of significant change and uncertainty for the renowned Japanese developer.