While the realm of video game enthusiasts patiently waited for a significant announcement from PlatinumGames, the world was left with a heavy heart upon hearing about the departure of a prominent figure in the industry, Hideki Kamiya.
The unexpected news broke out on X, previously known as Twitter, with PlatinumGames expressing their gratitude for Kamiya’s incredible contributions over the years.
Hideki Kamiya, renowned for the Bayonetta and Devil May Cry as well as Capcom’s cult classics like Okami and Viewtiful Joe, confirmed his decision to leave the studio, stating, “This came after a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs, and was by no means an easy decision to make. However, I feel this outcome is for the best. I will continue to create in my Hideki Kamiya way. I hope you’ll keep your eyes peeled.”
— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) September 25, 2023
With this departure, Kamiya ends his 16-year association with PlatinumGames, where he not only co-founded the studio but also gave audiences several masterpieces.
Although his reasons for leaving were somewhat cryptic, speculations began to form. Is it possible the future direction of PlatinumGames no longer aligned with his personal beliefs or vision? What if PlatinumGames is pivoting towards an acquisition? Sony definitely seems poised to go for another buyout if only to solidify its first-person library as Microsoft prepares to welcome Activision Blizzard to the fold.
Either way, the concensus is clear – fans are worried about the company’s direction.
PlatinumGames, despite having great talent, seems to have been chasing a breakout game in recent years, and this might have led to internal disagreements.
Kamiya’s illustrious career had previously seen him working on groundbreaking titles such as the original Resident Evil, Resident Evil 2, and the first Devil May Cry at Capcom. His vibrant, opinionated nature, combined with his unyielding passion for retro games, left an indelible mark on the industry. His co-founding of PlatinumGames with Shinji Mikami and Atsushi Inaba paved the way for a new wave of creativity, birthing classics like Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101. A notable dark patch in this journey was the cancellation of Scalebound, an ambitious project with Microsoft Studios. At the time of his departure, Kamiya was working on a project known as Project G.G., whose future remains uncertain in the wake of his departure.
The gaming world stands in solidarity, reminiscing about the masterpieces Kamiya had crafted. However, it isn’t just the games he directly worked on. His influence at PlatinumGames was far-reaching. Many attribute the company”s unique development philosophy and its ability to churn out titles like Astral Chain and Nier to Kamiya’s influence, even if he wasn’t directly involved.
It’s undeniable that Kamiya’s departure will create ripples in PlatinumGames, affecting its upcoming titles and possibly the overall direction of the company. However, the industry is also curious to see what Kamiya does next. Some have speculated a reunion with Shinji Mikami, who left Platinum in 2010 to establish Tango Gameworks.
While the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: the industry is waiting for Kamiya’s next step. Will he join another existing gaming giant or create his new empire? Only time will tell. But for now, the gaming community continues to cherish the masterpieces Kamiya has left behind and wishes him success in all his future endeavors.
Who knows? Maybe Hideki Kamiya will give his old buddy, Shinji Mikami, a call. The Tango Gameworks co-founder had recently left his studio as well. It’ll be interesting to see what these two will come up with next in their reunion.
