It was a major shock to the games industry when legendary developer, and frequent Twitter blocker, Hideki Kamiya announced that he was leaving PlatinumGames. After a few weeks of silence, Kamiya has re-emerged via his new YouTube channel, announcing that he cannot work in the industry for a year.
On his new YouTube channel, Kamiya essentially revealed that he has a non-compete clause and won’t be able to work in the industry for a year. Earlier in the video Kamiya does joke about having a ‘paid vacation,’ so this lines up with that train of thought.
Because he can’t work in the industry for a year, Hideki Kamiya says it will be a while before he brings ‘good news’ to the fans. Since he can’t take any jobs in the industry, it will be a while until a game with Kamiya’s signature style pops up.
That being said, Kamiya does assure fans that he won’t be retiring and still plans on making games once he can work again. Kamiya also says he feels ‘refreshed’ after taking a break and is happy not to do any meetings with big businessmen, at least for a while.
Fans hoping to hear his reasons for leaving PlatinumGames will be disappointed, as Kamiya can’t talk about leaving the company yet. All Kamiya could say was that he left Platinum to ‘follow his beliefs as a game director,’ which is as vague as things get.
Hideki Kamiya is a legend in the industry, so we hope whatever he works on next lives up to his reputation. In case some fans don’t know, Kamiya directed hits like Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, Okami, Bayonetta, and The Wonderful 101.
Read More: Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya wants Japan to be proud of ‘JRPG’ moniker
Gamers in need of that Hideki Kamiya flair can pick up the Bayonetta trilogy on Nintendo Switch. The first Bayonetta is also available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.