PlatinumGames, the developer behind the Bayonetta games and Nier: Automata, is reportedly hiring for a new action game that will be an online title. While the company has a rich history developing single-player action games, it looks like the studio is trying to focus its attention on the live-service scene now.
As reported by Tech4Gamers, a new job listing appeared on PlatinumGames’ website seeking a Game Designer role with “experience in online action games.” The report also discovered that this untitled game will feature open-world elements. The project is never mentioned in the job listing, though if we read between the lines, it’s safe to say that PlatinumGames is having another crack at the online live-service model.
Of course, we can’t forget the studio’s first attempt at a live-service title either. 2022’s Babylon’s Fall failed on a spectacular note, closing its servers and shutting down less than a year after its launch. Fans initially assumed that the worst would be behind them, urging PlatinumGames to shift its attention back to its strengths as a single-player developer. For a while, this was the case with Bayonetta 3 which launched in October 2022.
The reception to this news hasn’t been received well. Under the Reddit post’s comments, players quickly pointed out the failure of Babylon’s Fall and wondered if PlatinumGames had learned anything from that debacle. Only time will tell if this turns out to be a success or another failure in the making, as the live-service scene in the gaming industry is notoriously cutthroat, leading to many failed attempts to break into the ranks (see Marvel’s Avengers or Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League).
PlatinumGames is currently co-developing the anticipated Ninja Gaiden 4 with Team Ninja, set to launch later this year. It’s also still working on the mysterious Project G.G. which hasn’t received a proper update in years.
Source: Tech4Gamers
