Kamiya EXPOSES PlatinumGames’ Shocking Direction!

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Summary

  • Former PlatinumGames Co-Founder Hideki Kamiya stated he left the studio due to its shift toward modern trends he disagreed with.
  • After Kamiya’s departure in 2023, he founded Clovers as a new, independent studio.
  • Clovers and Kamiya are currently working with Capcom on the upcoming Okami sequel.

In a recent conversation with Japanese media, acclaimed video game creator Hideki Kamiya shared thoughts on why he parted ways with PlatinumGames in 2023. He expressed that he found it difficult to work within an environment that contradicted his beliefs. Kamiya explained that his decision to leave stemmed from PlatinumGames adopting a contemporary approach to game development, which clashed with his values.

In his initial stint with Capcom and the later-dissolved Clover Studio, Hideki Kamiya helmed some of his most iconic works such as Resident Evil 2, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami. Following Clover Studio’s closure in 2006, Kamiya teamed up with other ex-Capcom employees to establish PlatinumGames, a third-party studio. After the release of Madworld and Bayonetta in 2009, PlatinumGames earned recognition for producing high-energy action games. Despite Kamiya’s departure from PlatinumGames in 2023, the studio is currently collaborating with Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja on the development of Ninja Gaiden 4, set to launch in the second half of 2025.

As a gamer, I can share my take on the situation when it comes to Kamiya and PlatinumGames. In an interview with GameSpark (which was skillfully translated by Automaton), Kamiya, the Japanese game creator, explained his departure from the studio he helped establish. Essentially, he mentioned that the reason he left PlatinumGames was due to their transition towards a contemporary approach in game development that doesn’t emphasize the unique creativity of its team members as much as it used to.

Hideki Kamiya Stated His Ideals Were Incompatible With PlatinumGames’ Direction

Kamiya expressed that the studio’s approach clashed with a principle he held in common with his PlatinumGames co-founder, Shinji Mikami. Unyielding to work in an atmosphere that threatened his principles, even if it meant sacrificing his game development career, was Kamiya’s stance. Both Kamiya and Mikami collaborated on groundbreaking horror games such as Resident Evil 2 at Capcom Production Studio 4 earlier in their careers. Kamiya reminisced that his time at Studio 4 marked the beginning of his career, and he cherished the experience of working alongside Mikami.

After establishing Clovers, named after the old Clover Studio, Kamiya emphasized that this new venture prioritizes continuous creativity above all else. He mentioned that the studio aims to maintain its independence from investors and shareholders. At present, collaboration between Clovers and Capcom is ongoing for the development of a sequel to the popular game, Okami. Previously, Kamiya announced that the upcoming Okami title is indeed a true follow-up to the 2006 success, and it’s being developed using Capcom’s RE Engine.

After Kamiya’s departure, several directors who worked on games like “Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance” and “Bayonetta 3” have since left PlatinumGames as well. It remains to be seen what their future contributions might be towards the upcoming sequel of “Okami,” as some have moved to join Kamiya and Clovers.

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2025-03-13 00:55