Takahisa Taura, Director of Astral Chain and Designer for Nier Automata, Leaves PlatinumGames to Start New Studio

Significant Departures at PlatinumGames: Takahisa Taura’s New Venture

PlatinumGames is witnessing a notable exodus of its skilled developers, with Takahisa Taura, the director of Astral Chain and a designer for Nier Automata, announcing his departure from the studio. Contrary to speculation about joining Hideki Kamiya at the newly established Clovers, Taura has launched Eel Game Studio alongside several other founding members.

Insights from Taura’s Interview

In a recent interview with Famitsu, transcribed by Genki and noted by VGC, Taura confirmed both his exit from PlatinumGames and the inception of his new studio. While he refrained from disclosing the identities of his co-founders, he did announce plans to collaborate with notable figures from his previous projects, including Yoko Taro, Yosuke Saito, and Keiichi Okabe, on a still-unrevealed project.

Future Collaborations and Speculations

This collaboration hints at a potential connection to the Nier series, given their shared history. However, details remain sparse at this stage.

Hideki Kamiya’s Influence and Transition

Hideki Kamiya, another prominent figure and co-founder of PlatinumGames, departed in 2023 to establish Clovers. This new studio carries a nostalgic nod to Kamiya’s earlier work with Clover Studio. In a previous interview with VGC, Kamiya noted that his decision to leave was primarily driven by dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs at PlatinumGames. He acknowledged his role as vice president and chief game designer as a point of concern but emphasized his commitment to helping those who might resonate more with Clovers’ vision.

The Impact of Departures on PlatinumGames

While Taura’s departure is significant, it raises questions about the internal dynamics at PlatinumGames. His exit, alongside Kamiya’s, highlights a trend of talented individuals seeking new creative environments. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that PlatinumGames still houses many skilled developers, maintaining its position as a critical player in the gaming industry.