PlatinumGames CEO Teases Bayonetta Future Despite Major Leadership Departures

PlatinumGames CEO Atsushi Inaba has signaled that the Bayonetta franchise remains a core pillar for the developer, expressing a “strong” desire to expand the series’ world and characters. In a recently published interview with Famitsu, Inaba confirmed his intent to continue the Umbra Witch’s story, though he declined to provide specific details or confirm a direct sequel, stating he “can’t really answer that at the moment.”

The commitment to the IP comes at a time of significant transition for the Osaka-based studio. PlatinumGames is currently navigating a leadership vacuum following the departure of several key creative figures who defined its signature action style. Most notably, series creator Hideki Kamiya left the company in October 2023 to found Clovers Inc.

The studio is navigating a significant shift in creative leadership following several high-profile departures.

Kamiya is not the only high-profile exit. By early 2025, the studio will have seen the departure of several veteran directors, including Abebe Tinari (Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon), Yusuke Miyata (Bayonetta 3), Takahisa Taura (Astral Chain), and Kenji Saito (Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance). While Inaba is doubling down on the brand’s future, these exits leave questions regarding who will helm the next major entry in the franchise.

Despite his departure from PlatinumGames, Kamiya is remaining in the action-adventure space. He is officially directing an Okami sequel in a partnership between his new studio and the IP owner, Capcom.

The future of the Bayonetta series also faces a shift in its iconic presentation. The franchise lost its long-time Japanese voice actress, Atsuko Tanaka, who passed away in August 2024. On the English-language side, Jennifer Hale took over the titular role in the third game following a public casting controversy involving original actress Hellena Taylor. Hale has expressed that she would “love to play Bayonetta again” in future installments.

While a new standalone title has not been announced, the IP is maintaining its visibility through external collaborations. A crossover event with the action title Stellar Blade is scheduled to feature Bayonetta-themed costumes. This collaboration is set to debut alongside the Stellar Blade: Complete Edition for the Nintendo Switch 2 in November 2026.

For now, PlatinumGames appears focused on maintaining Bayonetta’s status as a premier action brand, even as the studio prepares to enter a new era with a fresh roster of creative leadership.

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