Atsushi Inaba Expresses Interest in Expanding Bayonetta Franchise
- PlatinumGames president Atsushi Inaba hints at expanding the Bayonetta character and world.
- Shift Up’s Kim Hyung-tae praises the series while creating Bayonetta-themed content.
- Following recent departures including creator Hideki Kamiya, details on future Bayonetta projects remain uncertain.
During a recent interview at the Tokyo Game Show, PlatinumGames president Atsushi Inaba expressed his desire to further develop the character of Bayonetta and expand her universe. Although Inaba refrained from confirming any new game, he shared these thoughts while meeting with Shift Up CEO and Stellar Blade director Kim Hyung-tae. This meeting coincided with a crossover event introducing four Bayonetta-themed costumes for the Stellar Blade Complete Edition, set to release on Switch 2 this November, as reported by Famitsu.
Kim Hyung-tae, in a display of admiration for the Bayonetta series, described it as “an indispensable work in my life” and ranked it among his top three favorite games. He mentioned he had to rally his creative impulses while designing a “Black Dress” costume inspired by Bayonetta to avoid crossing certain boundaries. Additionally, he playfully suggested his interest in designing characters for a future installment.
When directly questioned about the prospect of a new game, Inaba urged fans to “wait and see,” providing no additional details. His comments mark a shift in tone compared to recent sentiments within the company, notably after the departure of series creator Hideki Kamiya in October 2023. At that time, Kamiya alluded to his vision of Bayonetta as a nine-part saga, which he felt might not be realized without his involvement. Moreover, Bayonetta 3 director Yusuke Miyata has also left the company.
If a new entry emerges in the franchise, it will be without the iconic Japanese voice of Bayonetta, as actress Atsuko Tanaka passed away in August 2024 at the age of 61.
News Courtesy of Eurogamer
