Bayonetta’s Unwritten Future: Creator Hideki Kamiya Reveals Bold Plans for the Series After PlatinumGames Departure
The Bayonetta series, known for its stylish action and captivating lore, might have taken a drastically different turn if its creator, Hideki Kamiya, had remained at PlatinumGames. Kamiya, who departed the company at the end of 2023 and is now spearheading a new studio, Clovers, with an Okami sequel on the horizon in collaboration with Capcom, recently shared his vision for Bayonetta's future. But what could have been?
According to Kamiya, Bayonetta 3 was envisioned not as the definitive end, but as a pivotal 'stopping point,' marking the transition into a fresh narrative chapter. In a recent video, Kamiya expressed his desire to propel the series forward, envisioning not just a new story, but a complete overhaul of the game's mechanics.
"I often hear people say, ‘He wanted to end the series with Bayonetta 3.’ That’s absolutely not true," Kamiya stated. "I just wanted to mark a stopping point as a trilogy. And for me, that stopping point was supposed to be the start of a new chapter... starting fresh with both story and game design."
Kamiya also expressed his hopes to continue the spin-off series, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, alongside director Abebe Tinari. However, Tinari has also since left PlatinumGames, further clouding the future of that particular branch of the Bayonetta universe.
Despite the uncertainty, Kamiya reaffirmed his affection for the Bayonetta IP itself. He addressed fan criticisms regarding the character Singularity in Bayonetta 3, emphasizing that the concept of the multiverse, a key element of Singularity's backstory, has been present since the very first Bayonetta.
"Multiverse is there throughout the series, and the concept of Singularity was part of it too. It’s a theme I want to keep exploring. I hope I get another chance to share that with everyone," Kamiya explained.
With Kamiya's departure and Tinari's exit, the fate of the Bayonetta series hangs in the balance with PlatinumGames' plan unknown. While a fourth installment is not impossible, the absence of its original creator might lead to a reimagining of the series rather than a direct continuation of Kamiya's original vision.
What do you think about the future of Bayonetta? Should PlatinumGames continue the series without Hideki Kamiya, or is his vision essential to the franchise's identity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!