PlatinumGames Marks Bayonetta's 15th Anniversary with Year-Long Celebration

Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames is celebrating the original game’s 15th anniversary with a special yearlong event in honor of the franchise’s fans. The original Bayonetta was released on October 29, 2009, in Japan and January 2010 across the rest of the world. It was directed by Hideki Kamiya of Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe fame, featuring his trademark stylish action as players stepped into the role of Bayonetta, a powerful Umbra Witch who fights supernatural enemies using guns, over-the-top martial arts, and her magically-empowered hair.

The first Bayonetta game was met with high praise due to its creative premise and fast-paced, Devil May Cry-like gameplay, with Bayonetta herself quickly taking her place in the pantheon of female video game anti-heros. While the original game was published by Sega and released across multiple platforms, the two later sequels were published by Nintendo as first-party exclusives on the Wii U and Nintendo Switch, respectively. A prequel titled Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon was released on the Switch in 2023 and featured a younger version of the lead character. Bayonetta’s adult self would also appear as a playable character in the latest Super Smash Bros. entries.

2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the original Bayonetta, and developer PlatinumGames recently posted a message thanking fans for their support over the years. This heartfelt message also heralds PlatinumGames’ “Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year,” which will be celebrated throughout 2025 and feature a variety of special announcements. There aren't many details about the studio's 2025 Bayonetta plans yet, with the developer advising fans to stay tuned on social media for future developments.

2025 Marks the 15th Anniversary of Bayonetta

So far, Wayo Records has released a limited-edition Bayonetta music box, which features a design based on the original version of Bayonetta’s Super Mirror and plays the melody of "Theme Of Bayonetta - Mysterious Destiny" by famed Resident Evil and Okami composer Masami Ueda. PlatinumGames is also giving away special Bayonetta-themed smartphone calendar wallpapers every month, with January’s featuring Bayonetta and Jeanne dressed in kimonos beneath a full moon.

Even 15 years after its initial release, the original Bayonetta is hailed by many for refining the stylish action established by Devil May Cry and similar titles by introducing unique concepts like the slow-motion Witch Time mechanic and paving the way for future PlatinumGames titles like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Nier: Automata. Fans will need to keep their eyes peeled for future announcements during Bayonetta’s special 15th anniversary year.