Bayonetta 2 ‘would not exist without Nintendo’

Bayonetta 2 would not exist without Nintendo, according to PlatinumGames executive director Atsushi Inaba. 

“We are not viewing this as a change of platform,” he told The Verge at this year’s Tokyo Game Show. “We were looking for a partner to create Bayonetta 2 and Nintendo was a strong, cooperative partner that was willing to create and grow Bayonetta 2 together [with us]. As a result the platform became the Wii U.”

The first Bayonetta launched for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. Its sequel is a Wii U-exclusive. In a statement following Bayonetta 2‘s announcement, Platinum said it does not wish to ‘alienate’ its fans.

Regarding gameplay mechanics, Inaba said that the platform shift would not effect the game’s core method of play.

“We create the basic framework of our games on the PC, so even though the hardware changes it doesn’t influence the creation of our games. We’ve already developed our own engine to work with multiple platforms.

“Because of the Wii U GamePad, we are putting extra thought into how to use these differentiating features. There’s a difference in the game design side, but we are enjoying the challenges of creating games for new hardware.”

A release date for Bayonetta 2 is unannounced.