Update: Hideki Kamiya has added to his comments about his leaving PlatinumGames, thanking supporters for their support.
"I expected to be bullied more because of my usual behavior, but I've been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support." "Many thanks," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter (as reported by VGC).
"I'm not concerned about my future. I'll keep developing games as long as I have your support, and I'll do my best not to disappoint you."
"When I decided to leave, many of my old and young colleagues and staff were sad to see me go, and some even shed tears for someone like me," he stated. I realized once more that I could only be who I am because of the individuals who care about me. I will be eternally grateful for the assistance of others.
"No matter what anyone says, I will continue to believe in the spirit of creation that I have always believed in throughout my career at Capcom No 4 Development, Clover Studio, and Platinum." I'm not sure if I'll be able to keep making games that live up to that expectation - I don't have a recipe for success, but I'm determined to try."
It's unknown what Kamiya will do next.
みんなおはよう…
— 神谷英樹 Hideki Kamiya (@PG_kamiya) September 26, 2023
そして、普段の行いがアレなのでもっといじめられると思ったけど、たくさんの応援の言葉が届いて目頭を熱くしております…どうもありがとう…
僕の今後については全く心配ありません…皆の応援がある限り僕はゲームを作り続けますので、あとは期待を裏切らないよう全力を尽くします…
Original Story: Hideki Kamiya, the director of Bayonetta and Wonderful 101, announced his resignation from PlatinumGames for the upcoming month.
On social media, the company's vice president and co-founder stated that he made the decision after "a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs" and stated that he would continue developing video games.
"We regret to announce that Hideki Kamiya will depart PlatinumGames on October 12, 2023," said the company. We sincerely appreciate his innovative ideas, strong leadership, and contribution to PlatinumGames' development from the company's inception to the present.
We think he'll be successful in his endeavors to make games in the future. With him in it, we hope to see the video game industry develop into a better place. He has our best wishes for the future.
As announced on the official PlatinumGames X account,I will be leaving PlatinumGames on October 12, 2023.This came after a lot of consideration based on my own beliefs.and was by no means an easy decision to make.(1/2)— 神谷英樹 Hideki Kamiya (@PG_kamiya) September 25, 2023
"As stated on the official PlatinumGames X account, I will be departing PlatinumGames on October 12, 2023," Kamiya continued. I gave this a lot of thought based on my personal convictions. and was not made lightly in the least.
"However, I believe that this result is for the best," he continued. I'll keep producing in the Hideki Kamiya style. I sincerely hope you'll keep an eye away.
Despite having started his career at Capcom, where he was best known for directing Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and, at its spin-off Clover studio, Okami and Viewtiful Joe, Kamiya co-founded PlatinumGames in 2006.
The designer previously held the position of most senior member of the creative team at Platinum, where he was in charge of franchises like Bayonetta and Astral Chain. Kamiya received a promotion to vice president last year.
He has been Project GG's director for the previous few years, a superhero project. What will happen to the title is still unclear.
According to Tokyo-based industry consultant Dr. Serkan Toto, Platinum will face serious difficulties as a result of Kamiya's departure. Toto asserted that he thinks Kamiya might reappear at a different studio supported by one of the Chinese tech behemoths.
"Kamiya's departure certainly comes out of left field and is a shock for the Japanese video game industry," he said. "Not only because of his abilities and track record, but also because of his reputation, distinctive personality, and sizable fan base outside of Japan, it will be very difficult for Platinum to succeed him.
"He might already be financially independent, but he's probably still too young to give up his job. I have a sneaking suspicion he'll pop up soon somewhere else, perhaps funded by a Chinese company.