In a recent interview with Japanese media, famed game director Hideki Kamiya reflected on why he left PlatinumGames in 2023 and stated that he was unwilling to work in an environment he disagreed with. Kamiya said that his departure was due to PlatinumGames shifting toward a “modern model of game development” that went against his ideals.

During his first tenure working with Capcom and the now-defunct Clover Studio, Kamiya directed some of his most memorable titles, including Resident Evil 2, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami. After Clover Studio was shuttered in 2006, Kamiya co-founded PlatinumGames as a third-party studio with other ex-Capcom staff. After releasing Madworld and Bayonetta in 2009, PlatinumGames gained a reputation for developing action-packed titles. Although Kamiya and PlatinumGames parted ways in 2023, the studio is currently assisting Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja with developing the upcoming Ninja Gaiden 4, which will launch in the latter half of 2025.

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Although Kamiya and PlatinumGames are no longer working together, the Japanese game creator shared why he left the studio he co-founded. In an interview with GameSpark (which was translated by Automaton), Kamiya stated the reason he left PlatinumGames was because the company was “shifting toward a modern model of game development that doesn’t place importance on the creators’ individuality.”

Hideki Kamiya Stated His Ideals Were Incompatible With PlatinumGames’ Direction

Kamiya stated that the studio’s direction went against an ideal he shared with his fellow PlatinumGames co-founder Shinji Mikami and that he was unwilling to work in an environment that would compromise his ideals, even if it cost his career in game development. Both Kamiya and Mikami worked on genre-defining horror titles like Resident Evil 2 during their time at Capcom Production Studio 4. Kamiya said that his time at Studio 4 was where his career started and that he valued his time working with Mikami.

Since then, Kamiya founded Clovers, which takes its name from the previous Clover Studio. Kamiya stated that Clovers was founded on prioritizing uninterrupted creativity and that the new studio would strive to remain independent of investors and shareholders. Currently, Clovers and Capcom are working together on the development of the Okami sequel. Kamiya previously stated the upcoming Okami title is a true sequel to the 2006 hit, and that it is being developed on Capcom’s RE Engine.

Since Kamiya’s departure, PlatinumGames has lost more directors who worked on titles including Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Bayonetta 3. With some of them joining Kamiya and Clovers, only time will tell what their involvement in the Okami sequel will be.

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The witch is back and more powerful than ever – Strut through multiple locations in an all-new, over-the-top climax action game! Bayonetta must face a mysterious man-made evil using her signature guns, time-slowing Witch Time ability, and demonic darlings. Shoot, stomp, and slam your way through multiple locations, meeting other wicked witches along the way.

Give ‘em hell in climactic combat – Show how you’re the baddest witch in any universe by mastering an infernal arsenal of weapons and abilities.

Grapple with your demons: Tap into the Umbra Witches’ naughtier side by channeling the power of demons in the heat of combat.
  Ride in to battle: Both in and out of combat, the new Demon Masquerade ability channels the demon linked to Bayonetta’s weapon to help her quickly traverse the environment.
  Choose your intensity: Whether you’re a decorated Umbra Witch or new to the coven, you can find your sweet spot among one of three difficulty settings. Optional, equippable accessories can make it easier for anyone to experience the spectacle.
 

Systems

Released

October 28, 2022

ESRB

m

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

Franchise

Bayonetta

Engine

Proprietary Engine

OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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