PlatinumGames Celebrates Bayonetta's 15th Anniversary with a Year of Festivities!
To commemorate fifteen years of the iconic Umbra Witch, PlatinumGames is launching a year-long celebration, expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support. The original Bayonetta, released in Japan on October 29, 2009, and internationally in January 2010, captivated gamers with its innovative gameplay and stylish action, a hallmark of director Hideki Kamiya's work (known for Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe). Players embraced Bayonetta's unique blend of gunplay, martial arts, and magic-infused hair, solidifying her status as a beloved video game anti-heroine.
While Sega published the first Bayonetta, subsequent titles became Nintendo exclusives, appearing on the Wii U and Nintendo Switch. The prequel, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, further expanded the lore, introducing a younger Cereza. Bayonetta herself has also graced the rosters of recent Super Smash Bros. games.
PlatinumGames recently announced a "Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year," promising special announcements and releases throughout 2025. While specifics remain under wraps, the studio encourages fans to follow their social media channels for updates.
2025: A Year of Bayonetta Celebrations
Already underway are exciting initiatives. Wayo Records has released a limited-edition Bayonetta music box, featuring the Super Mirror design and a melody from Masami Ueda (composer of Resident Evil and Okami). PlatinumGames is also providing monthly Bayonetta-themed smartphone wallpapers, with January's installment showcasing Bayonetta and Jeanne in kimonos under a moonlit sky.
The enduring appeal of the original Bayonetta lies in its refinement of stylish action, exemplified by the innovative Witch Time mechanic. This groundbreaking title influenced subsequent PlatinumGames masterpieces like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Nier: Automata. Fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming anniversary announcements.