Hideki Kamiya, the creator of the Bayonetta series and PlatinumGames’ vice president and co-founder, is leaving the company, it has been announced. The surprise announcement was recently made by the company on twitter, confirming that Kamiya will be leaving PlatinumGames in less than a month’s time, on October 12.
“We are truly grateful for his creative ideas, leadership, and contribution to the growth of PlatinumGames from our start-up to this very day,” PlatinumGames wrote. “We believe that he will continue to succeed in his future endeavours as a game creator. We are looking forward to seeing the game industry grow into a better place with him in.”
Kamiya himself also confirmed the news on his Twitter page, saying that leaving the studio was “by no means an easy decision to make”, and that it was a decision he arrived at after “a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs”.
“However, I feel this outcome is for the best,” he added. “I will continue to create in my Hideki Kamiya way. I hope you’ll keep your eyes peeled.”
Hideko Kamiya has, of course, had an illustrious career in game development. Starting out at Capcom, he went on to direct a number of major big-hitters for the company, including the likes of Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Okami, and Viewtiful Joe. He co-founded PlatinumGames in 2006, where he directed Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101.
Kamiya was also set to direct PlatinumGames’ next major action title, Project G.G. It currently remains unknown who will be taking the reins of that project in Kamiya’s absence, or where Kamiya will be headed to next after leaving PlatinumGames.