‘We Have a Strong Desire to Further Develop the Character of Bayonetta’ — PlatinumGames Isn’t Done With the Gun Witch
PlatinumGames is signaling that Bayonetta’s story is far from over. CEO Atsushi Inaba expressed the studio’s “strong desire to further develop the character of Bayonetta and expand her world,” though he stopped short of announcing any concrete projects. The statement comes three years after Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon released in 2023, leaving fans waiting for news about the franchise’s next chapter.
The tease suggests PlatinumGames intends to keep the gun-wielding witch franchise alive, though the form it takes remains uncertain. Inaba’s comments indicate ongoing internal discussions about the character’s future, with more details potentially coming later. Shift Up CEO Hyung-tae Kim, who appeared alongside Inaba during the interview promoting an upcoming Stellar Blade and Bayonetta crossover, echoed enthusiasm for PlatinumGames to continue developing the beloved character.
The statement comes amid significant staff turnover at PlatinumGames. Key departures include original director Hideki Kamiya, who left to form his own studio, Clovers, to develop Okami 2. Other notable exits include Resident Evil character designer Masaki Yamanaka, Metal Gear Rising director Kenji Saito, Astral Chain director Takahisa Taura, and Bayonetta 2 director Yusuke Hashimoto, who joined Capcom and recently worked on Onimusha: Way of the Sword. Despite losing these creative veterans, Inaba’s remarks suggest PlatinumGames remains committed to moving the series forward with its remaining talent and vision for expanding the Bayonetta universe.