Platinum Games, the acclaimed studio behind titles like Bayonetta and NieR: Automata, is grappling with a wave of high-profile departures. In a recent YouTube video, former vice president Hideki Kamiya revealed that five more veteran developers have left the studio, compounding concerns about its future after a string of underperforming projects.
The exits include:
- Takahisa Taura: Director of Astral Chain and lead designer on NieR: Automata.
- Yusuke Miyata: Director of Bayonetta 3.
- Abebe Tinari: Director of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon.
- Kenji Saito: Director of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Transformers: Devastation.
- Masaki Yamanaka: Character designer for Anarchy Reigns and Resident Evil series.
Social media activity previously hinted at their exits. Saito, Taura, and Yamanaka removed references to Platinum Games from their X/Twitter bios, while Tinari updated his BlueSky profile to list Helsinki, Finland, as his location—a move he called a “major” change.
These departures follow Kamiya’s own exit in late 2023, after which he formed Clovers Studio to develop Okami 2 with Capcom. Kamiya cited creative differences as his reason for leaving, stating he sought a studio aligned with his “creative beliefs.” Speculation now swirls that other ex-Platinum leads could join him at Clovers, though no confirmations exist.
Platinum Games has faced turbulence in recent years. Despite critical acclaim for Bayonetta 3 (2022), projects like Babylon’s Fall (2022) flopped, and Scalebound’s cancellation in 2017 left lasting scars. The studio’s live-service pivot, including Project G.G., has yet to materialize, leaving fans and analysts questioning its direction.
The loss of talent raises doubts about ongoing projects. Miyata’s exit leaves Bayonetta 4 without its director, while Taura’s departure casts uncertainty on a potential Astral Chain sequel. Platinum’s remaining leadership, including CEO Atsushi Inaba, has not commented publicly on the situation.
Platinum Games was recently announced as the co-developer for Team Ninja’s Ninja Gaiden 4. The reveal was met with a positive reception, but the game’s critical reception upon launch will determine whether it captures the same charm that PlatinumGames is known for in the past.
