PlatinumGames Boss Teases More Bayonetta Games Despite Key Departures

PlatinumGames CEO Atsushi Inaba says the studio has a 'strong desire' to expand Bayonetta's world, even after several lead developers, including Hideki Kamiya, left the company.

What's next for everyone's favorite Umbra Witch? If you're a Bayonetta fan, you've probably been wondering that since 2023's Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Well, PlatinumGames boss Atsushi Inaba just dropped a tantalizing hint that more could be on the way.

In an interview with Famitsu (spotted by VGC), Inaba was asked about future games in the series. He played it coy, saying he "can't really answer that right now." But then he added the part that's got everyone talking: "We have a strong desire to further develop the character of Bayonetta and expand her world. Please look forward to seeing what form that takes in the future."

That's not a confirmation, but it's far from a no. And for a franchise that started back on Xbox 360 and PS3, it's a pretty big deal. Bayonetta quickly became an icon of the action genre, and the witch's legacy only grew with two direct sequels and a spin-off prequel, all exclusive to Nintendo consoles. She's also popped up in everything from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to Stellar Blade, proving she's still a beloved figure.

But here's the catch: PlatinumGames has seen a lot of high-profile departures lately. Series co-creator Hideki Kamiya left in 2023 and opened his own studio to work on Okami 2, citing disagreements with the company's direction. He's not alone. Abebe Tinari (Bayonetta Origins), Yusuke Miyata (Bayonetta 3), Takahisa Taura (Astral Chain), and Kenji Saito (Metal Gear Rising) are among the big names who have moved on.

So can Platinum really pull off another Bayonetta without those key creatives? Inaba seems confident that the studio's desire to expand the character's world is still strong. And it's worth noting that the series has survived changes before, evolving from its Sega-published debut to Nintendo-exclusive sequels.

There's also the voice cast question. Jennifer Hale, who took over as Bayonetta in the third game, has said she would "love to play Bayonetta again," despite being "thrown under the bus" during the controversy around Bayonetta 3's casting. That's a clear sign that the character still has passionate supporters behind her.

For now, we'll have to wait and see what form Inaba's tease takes. A new mainline entry? Another spin-off? A remaster? Only time will tell. But if you're a fan, it's hard not to get a little excited.

What do you think? Are you ready for more Bayonetta, or should Platinum focus on new IPs? Let us know in the comments.