PlatinumGames ‘deeply saddened’ by games industry

PlatinumGames has published an open letter that expresses its ‘deep sadness’ at the current state of the global games industry.

In the letter, the Bayonetta and Vanquish studio’s president and CEO Tatsuya Minami also gave brief mention of a new vision for the Japanese company it has called Platinum Next.

"Series grow ever-longer; original titles are on the decline," said Minami. "Games with new at their core are disappearing. Japanese games that garner worldwide acclaim are slipping away."

"This state of affairs deeply saddens us," he added.

Minami, who’s team have met with critical success specialising in original IP, also made clear his belief that the current games business is struggling.

"The ‘fresh surprises’ I mention are becoming few and far between, especially in our home of Japan. Not so long ago, Japan lead the world’s games business, and it was not a stretch to call games a uniquely Japanese specialty; however, now it appears that Japanese games companies have lost their vigor."

The CEO also said that Platinum Games remains one of the ‘very few’ healthy Japanese games companies.

"I also came to realise that we must now consider our work in creating games to be that of a mandate," he said, later adding: "We aim to bring happiness to gamers worldwide. We seek to ignite a Japanese games revival. And our troops will have the highest morale."

Minami concluded: "We’re in this fight for the long haul."