Bayonettas big birthday is here (PlatinumGames)The developer behind Bayonetta has promised to create games that will surprise and delight following the departure of key staff members.PlatinumGames were once one of the most exciting developers in the games industry, releasing titles like Bayonetta, Vanquish, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.While the studio has still produced some great games in recent years, like 2019s Astral Chain and Bayonetta 3, there has been concern around its future following the failure of 2022s Babylons Fall and the departure of co-founder Hideki Kamiya in 2023.Kamiya, who directed the original Bayonetta, has since set up new studio Clover, which is working on a sequel to kami. The majority of around 25 staff at Clover are comprised of his former colleagues from Platinum, who decided to leave the studio to join his new venture.The exit of key staff members led to some concern around Platinums future, but the studio has now posted a statement to announce plans for Bayonettas 15th anniversary.In a post on X, Platinum stated it had a few things in store to celebrate the games 15th anniversary so keep your eyes peeled. A post on the studios website states the celebration will last for one full year.Therere no details on what this will involve but theyve already released the first of a series of monthly calendar images, that are intended to be used as smartphone wallpaper.The studio also appeared to address concerns surrounding Platinum, adding: Moving forward, we will continue to take on new challenges to create games that surprise and delight our fans. We look forward to your continued support of Bayonetta and PlatinumGames!The first Bayonetta was released in October 2009 in Japan, so technically its already had its 15th anniversary. Although the game didnt launch in the West until January 2010.It has spawned two sequels and spin-off Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And The Lost Demon, which came out on Nintendo Switch in 2023.Fans are already hoping that a fourth mainline Bayonetta game will be announced as part of these celebrations. Kamiya has previously talked about Bayonetta 4 being in the works, but this was before he left the studio, so its unclear if plans at Platinum have shifted since then.Although its worth noting that while Kamiya oversaw the whole series he was only director on the first entry, with each of the other games having a different director.At the very least, this anniversary statement confirms Bayonetta will have some sort of future at Platinum but well just have to wait and see what form that takes.Another big question is whether Kamiyas previously announced game, Project G.G., is still in development. When asked about the titles future following his exit, Kamiya told a fan on X to ask Platinum about Platinum, so it seems like hes no longer involved. The studio has not said anything about the project since it was revealed in 2020.Aside from Kamiyas new studio, some former Platinum developers have also left for jobs elsewhere. Abebe Tinari, who directed Bayonetta Origins, has confirmed he has joined Returnal studio Housemarque.According to his LinkedIn profile, Tinari has joined Housemarque as a Lead Game Designer specialising in enemy and boss design. Theres no indication, however, what game he is working on.More TrendingIn fact, theres no information at all about Housemarques next project, although it is expected to be a new IP. Its unclear if well ever see a sequel to Returnal, but the studio has continued to support the title through updates and special anniversary art books. Housemarque is now in the house of Sony (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy