In an interview with IGN Japan, Hideki Kamiya, co-founder of PlatinumGames, explained his decision to depart from the studio after a 15-year tenure, citing differences in viewpoints and interests as the primary reasons. Read on to know more.
Hideki Kamiya Tells All About Leaving PlatinumGames in IGN Interview
His Beliefs As a Developer Clashed With the Direction PlatinumGames Was Going
Hideki Kamiya began his illustrious career at Capcom, directing titles such as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami. After departing from Capcom, he co-founded PlatinumGames, where he directed the Bayonetta series and The Wonderful 101. He eventually assumed the role of Vice President at PlatinumGames, heading all of the studio’s development teams.
In the interview, Kamiya explained that his departure stemmed from differences in viewpoints, interests, and his own beliefs as a developer. Likewise, he explained that his departure also stemmed from disagreeing with the direction the company was heading.
"My work with PlatinumGames was based on a relationship of trust with the company. I decided to leave because I felt that the direction the company was heading in was different from my beliefs as a developer. Without that element of trust, I couldn’t continue working there, and so I left, so that I could continue working in what I consider to be the right way"
Kamiya shared his more humanistic approach to creating games, compared to the studio’s view of it as a mere commodity. This is something that also factored in his decision to leave.
"I don't think of games as products, but rather as works of art. I want to put my artistry into games and deliver games that could only be made by Hideki Kamiya, so that players can enjoy Hideki Kamiya games exactly as they are. I decided to leave the company and forge my own path, to continue making games that reflect the developers who made them."
Kamiya Not Interested in "Growing a Company for the Sake of Corporate Growth"
Kamiya shared more about his principles as a developer, stating that he personally does not have an interest in growing a company for the sake of corporate growth. He clarified his stance, stating, "PlatinumGames has placed a priority on growing as a company. But I personally have no interest in growing a company for the sake of corporate growth. The desire to make interesting games is the first step for me, so I want to stay true to that."
He also shared that ‘Creating things with freedom of thought’ is his creed as a developer. "My main intention is to stay true to the philosophy of ‘creating things with freedom of thought’."
He also dispelled rumors of working elsewhere after he departed from PlatinumGames. "One thing I would like to make clear is that I did not quit PlatinumGames so that I could make a particular game elsewhere, or that I quit the company to work with a specific partner under better conditions. I hear baseless rumors saying that I’ll be working with this or that person, but nothing has been decided yet."
After leaving the studio he helped build, Kamiya has since then addressed the situation, answering questions from fans on his newly opened YouTube channel.
Kamiya Left PlatinumGames on Amicable Terms
Kamiya shared that he had prior discussions with PlatinumGames' president and co-founder Atsushi Inaba on his plans to leave the studio. Kamiya shared that both had differing beliefs, but that both parties arrived at a mutually agreed-upon conclusion.
"I had many deep discussions with Inaba, and I came to my decision to leave only after we had agreed. Inaba also has his own set of beliefs as the head of the company. Although his beliefs differed from my own, we talked it out thoroughly, so we were both satisfied with the conclusion we reached."
Kamiya recounted the mixed reactions from the development team upon hearing the news of his departure. He stated that the team received the news of his departure quite sadly. "I never took my role at the company lightly, but I realized at that moment that they trusted me more deeply than I had expected. The fact that many of the team seemed so sad about it made me think deeply about this point."
He further added, "Some of them sat and talked with me for two or three hours, some cried, and some others thought my decision to leave was irresponsible. Some of them said that they came to work at PlatinumGames because they wanted to work with me specifically."
Kamiya stated that he does not regret his decision to leave PlatinumGames as he felt it was the right move. He did, however, say that missing out on working with the staff on his team is something he is sorry about.
Source:
Hideki Kamiya On Why He Left PlatinumGames, His YouTube Channel, and His Next Game
