PlatinumGames has become a hallmark of creativity and engagement in the gaming industry, delivering unforgettable experiences through titles like Bayonetta and Astral Chain. However, reports emerged late last year pointing towards a significant shift within the studio, with a wave of departures among its veterans, leaving both the industry and fans curious about the future of this beloved company.
In recent months, the gaming community has experienced an unsettling sense of intrigue regarding the fate of PlatinumGames. Abebe Tinari, a key figure behind Bayonetta Origins, was the first to confirm his exit, leading to speculation about others following suit. Among those rumored to have left is Takahisa Taura, the visionary director responsible for creating Astral Chain. His apparent departure sparked widespread conjecture, especially when observers noted the sudden removal of any affiliation with PlatinumGames from his social media profiles.
These alterations on social platforms often serve as the harbinger of change, prompting fans to dive deeper into the context. Indeed, hints surfaced that Taura might not only have left the studio but could be laying the groundwork for a new venture titled Eel Game Studio. While Eel Game Studio remains shrouded in mystery — with little known about its mission or ambitions as per its registration details — its establishment is indicative of the shifting landscape within PlatinumGames.
As is often the case in the world of video games, where development can ebb and flow under the radar, the vacuum left by these departures has opened the floodgates for speculation. Recently, a now-deleted Reddit post claimed to spill secrets regarding the status of Astral Chain 2. Allegedly sourced from someone who had been at PlatinumGames, the anonymous tipster suggested internal conflicts had plagued the development process. What’s intriguing is that the saga was said to culminate in a shift where Nintendo took control of the sequel, a fact that Atsushi Inaba, the head of PlatinumGames, alluded to back in 2021.
What makes these rumors particularly captivating is their mix of foundational truth and ambiguity. It’s important to approach such claims with skepticism, especially given the account deletion and odd typographical errors in the post. However, the overarching narrative aligns with typical industry occurrences, especially regarding high-stakes franchises.
Despite these tumultuous developments, it would be unwise to count PlatinumGames out just yet. The company has proven time and time again that it can produce captivating titles, and its reputation for imaginative gameplay remains intact. A recent collaboration with Koei Tecmo’s Team Ninja revealed Ninja Gaiden 4 during the Xbox Developer_Direct 2025, further emphasizing that the studio’s creative engines are still running. This collaboration indicates that even in the face of personnel shifts, PlatinumGames retains its ability to forge partnerships that yield exciting results.
Nonetheless, the departure of talented individuals poses challenges to any studio. The loss of visionaries like Taura and other veterans creates a gap in experience and creative oversight that can be hard to fill. However, it’s also an opportunity for newer talent and a chance for the studio to explore new directions or reinvigorate its existing franchises.
As the situation evolves, the community is left wondering how these changes will affect the development trajectory of PlatinumGames. If it’s true that Taura and others have embarked on new paths, the questions surrounding their future projects and the potential impact on established franchises become more pronounced. Could Eel Game Studio be the birthplace of a new creative direction that rivals or complements previous achievements? Ultimately, while these developments spark uncertainty, they also birth a sense of excitement about what’s to come.
PlatinumGames is at a crossroads, grappling with the departure of key veterans while still pushing forward with ambitious projects. As fans eagerly await official news of upcoming titles —possibly even Astral Chain 2 — the underlying narrative remains clear: change is not merely a threat but a pathway to new possibilities. The gaming world will be watching intently as PlatinumGames navigates this landscape of evolution.