PlatinumGames has responded to fan criticism about Bayonetta 2 being a Wii U exclusive.
A mixed reaction followed the company's surprising reveal that the sequel to the original Bayonetta, which appeared on both PS3 and Xbox 360, would only launch on Nintendo's upcoming console.
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Alongside Nintendo, we hope to grow the Bayonetta brand beyond where it stands today, allowing even more gamers around the world to experience the action of our beloved witch.
PlatinumGames CEO and President Tatsuya Minami explained on the company's website that the original game was fundamental in establishing the company as an emerging studio, and promised that Bayonetta 2 would be a "true sequel" in terms of both design goals and much of the team working on it.
He explained, "Bayonetta has fans the world over, and we would never dream of alienating them from participating in the future of PlatinumGames.
“That being said, the console games market is in a state of upheaval, so establishing a new game franchise requires a considerable amount of will, determination, and love. Bayonetta is a brand that we want to see become stronger, reaching the hands of more and more gamers, so we have continued to consult with SEGA, the previous game’s publisher, on how we can make sure this takes place. Our answer was a new partnership with Nintendo.
“Alongside Nintendo, we hope to grow the Bayonetta brand beyond where it stands today, allowing even more gamers around the world to experience the action of our beloved witch.”
While nothing has been confirmed, its believed that Bayonetta 2 was dropped by SEGA as a result of the company’s reshuffle earlier this year when it was decided that the publisher would only focus on core franchises in future. It's possible that Nintendo swooped in to save the game and made it into a Wii U exclusive in the process.
Returning from the original game is Yusuke Hashimoto who will replace Hideki Kamiya in the game director role. He said, "Alongside Bayonetta’s creator, Hideki Kamiya, I’m working on everything from creating a compelling world to character designs (I will be designing the enemies again), and everyone on our talented team is united around the core of Bayonetta."
Though this means Kamiya won't be directing the game, he is on board as a supervisor and revealed that work on Bayonetta 2 has been ongoing for some time. He explained, "We were secretly making one the entire time. While I am not the director of this game, I am still supervising the world, story, characters, etc. in close coordination with Hashimoto, and I have been from the very beginning. You have nothing to work [sic - presumably he means 'worry'] about on that end. And of course, plenty of members from the first Bayonetta are on-board and working hard under the direction of Hashimoto."
No release date has been set for Bayonetta 2 but it isn't scheduled to appear during the Wii U's launch window, which runs from November until the end of March.
Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Editorial Assistant and doesn't care what platform Bayonetta 2 is on, as long as there's more J-Pop covers of Sinatra songs. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.
