Hideki Kamiya is leaving PlatinumGames (UPDATE)
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The official X account for PlatinumGames has revealed that Hideki Kamiya is leaving the company on Oct. 12th, 2023. This is rather shocking news, as not only has Kamiya been a driving force in many of Platinum’s franchises, he’s also the vice president of the studio. No replacement for Kamiya has been made, but you can see Platinum’s full statement on the matter below.
At the same time that Platinum shared the announcement, Kamiya also made a brief statement on X. You can see that message in full below.
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. However, I feel this outcome is for the best. I will continue to create in my Hideki Kamiya way. I hope you’ll keep your eyes peeled.
UPDATE: Kamiya shared further comment on his departure via X. While it doesn’t give more insight into the reason behind his stepping down, it does expand upon the situation in general. You can read those comments below, courtesy of a translation from VGC.
“I thought I’d be bullied more because of my usual behavior, but I’m so touched by all the words of support I’ve received. Thank you so much. I’m not worried about my future at all. As long as I have your support, I’ll keep making games, and I’ll do my best not to disappoint you.
When I decided to quit, many of my old and young colleagues and staff were sad to see me go, and some even shed tears for someone like me. I realized once again that I was only able to be who I am because of the support of the people around me. I will continue to be grateful for the help of others.
“I will continue to believe in the spirit of creation that I have always believed in through my career at Capcom No 4 Development, Clover Studio and Platinum, no matter what anyone says. I don’t know if I’ll be able to continue to make games that live up to that belief – I don’t have a formula for success, but I’m committed to aiming for it.”
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sdsichero
8M agoInteresting. Too bad he blocked me so I have no idea where he'll end up (except from GoNintendo's reporting).
conangiga
8M agoWell, maybe he didn't like that Platinum sold their soul to Tencent.
enthropy
8M agoWonder if this has something to do with MS' "Project Platinum".
They made the last two amazing Bayonetta games and the oddball Babylon game, but have been very silent in general. What haooened to that last Super Hero game they were so on about?
They wanted to self-publish but nothing so far about that. Ninty and Squeenix published the last three games.
Platinum just isn't Platinum without him.
My fav developer is in some deep shit....
They borrowed some money from them from what I gather to get started with self-publishing. Wouldn't call that selling their souls.
You said yourself that they didn't actually self-publish anything yet and borrowing money is never a good idea, be it from loan sharks or even from banks.
I don't think borrowing money from tencent so they could envision thier long dream of being independent is "selling their souls", but it absolutely was a big risk. This deal could be why Kamiya left, but we'll just have to wait for the blaller-mouth spill the beans unless he signed some deal to shut up.
They could have made a deal with Ninty but I guess they would have wanted to be publisher, so that wouldn't work as planned either. But they besties for sure.
And yeah, that they have shown nkthing but a teaser for the last Hero game after so much time is an alarm. Specially after their big, new Tokyo office.
Maybe it's the flop they called Babylon's Fall even.
Anyway, Platinum without Kamiya is only negative.
zcomuto
8M agomaybe he's going back to Capcom to help develop a Resident Evil ReReMake for the 30th anniversary... a man can dream
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