Takahisa Taura has formed a new studio after leaving PlatinumGames.
As reported by VGC, the Astral Chain director and Nier Automata designer is one of the founders of Eel Game Studio. Taura confirmed the news in the latest edition of Famitsu, translated by journalist Genki.
Taura said he is one of the founding members of the studio, but can’t expand on what it is developing at the moment.
In September 2023, PlatinumGames co-founder Hideki Kamiya announced he was leaving the developer. He previously worked for Capcom’s Clover Studio before its closure in 2006.
Last December, Kamiya announced he had returned to Capcom and became studio head and chief game designer of Clovers – a nod to the previous developer. Clovers is working on the sequel to Okami, a Clover Studio title that Kamiya directed.
Speaking to VGC, Kamiya discussed why he left PlatinumGames and his thoughts on those still working at his former studio.
“If I was satisfied at Platinum, then I wouldn’t have left,” he said. “If there was one thing I am worried about, it’s the fact I was VP and chief game designer of PlatinumGames. And so with me quitting, I worry about the people there, the staff there.
“Of course, if they’re motivated and happy at Platinum, I believe that’s the right path for them. But if there are others whose mindset aligns more with what we’re building here at Clovers, we want to welcome and provide a path for them, too. I see that as a responsibility I have to those people after leaving Platinum.”