Platinum Celebrates Bayonetta's 15th Anniversary

PlatinumGames Celebrates Bayonetta's 15th Anniversary with a Year of Festivities

To commemorate the 15th anniversary of the original Bayonetta, PlatinumGames is launching a year-long celebration, expressing gratitude to fans for their unwavering support. The original title, released October 29, 2009 (Japan) and January 2010 (globally), captivated players with its innovative design and exhilarating gameplay, a hallmark of director Hideki Kamiya's signature style. This stylish action game introduced Bayonetta, a formidable Umbra Witch, wielding guns, masterful martial arts, and magically enhanced hair to combat supernatural foes.

Bayonetta's initial release garnered critical acclaim for its creative storyline and fast-paced, Devil May Cry-inspired combat. Bayonetta quickly became a celebrated figure among female video game protagonists. While Sega published the first installment across various platforms, subsequent sequels became Nintendo exclusives, released on the Wii U and Nintendo Switch. A prequel, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, showcasing a younger Bayonetta, arrived on the Switch in 2023. The adult Bayonetta also features as a playable character in recent Super Smash Bros. games.

PlatinumGames recently announced its "Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year," promising a series of special announcements and events throughout 2025. While specifics remain under wraps, the developer encourages fans to follow their social media channels for updates.

2025: A Year of Bayonetta Celebrations

Already, Wayo Records has unveiled a limited-edition Bayonetta music box, showcasing a design inspired by Bayonetta's Super Mirror and playing "Theme Of Bayonetta - Mysterious Destiny," composed by Masami Ueda. PlatinumGames is also releasing exclusive Bayonetta-themed smartphone calendar wallpapers monthly, with January's featuring Bayonetta and Jeanne in kimonos under a full moon.

Fifteen years on, the original Bayonetta continues to be lauded for its refinement of stylish action, building upon the foundation laid by Devil May Cry. Its unique mechanics, such as Witch Time, significantly influenced subsequent PlatinumGames titles like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Nier: Automata. Fans eagerly await further announcements throughout this special anniversary year.