In a surprising move within the Japanese game development scene, Takahisa Taura, widely known among fans for directing Astral Chain and designing NieR: Automata, has officially announced his departure from PlatinumGames. The news was confirmed through the respected Japanese publication Famitsu, revealing that Taura is now taking on a bold new challenge—founding his own game development studio, which will be called Eel Game.
A Celebrated Career at PlatinumGames
Takahisa Taura’s career at PlatinumGames has been closely followed by fans of action and RPG titles. His rise to fame began with his role as the lead designer on NieR: Automata, a title that became a critical and commercial success for both PlatinumGames and Square Enix. He later took the director’s chair for Astral Chain, an action-packed exclusive for the Nintendo Switch that received praise for its stylish visuals, fluid combat, and dual-character control mechanics.
Thanks to his unique vision and talent for innovative game design, Taura became one of the most recognizable faces at PlatinumGames. His departure marks a significant shift for both his career and the studio.
Introducing Eel Game: A New Beginning
While details about Eel Game’s upcoming projects remain under wraps, Taura has confirmed his role as a founding member. No games have been officially announced yet, but he hinted that more information will be shared in the future, once the studio has completed its development team.
The name Eel Game may seem mysterious for now, but with Taura at the helm, fans are already speculating about the kind of creative, action-driven projects the studio might pursue. Considering his background, expectations are high for bold, genre-defying gameplay and strong narrative elements.
A Pattern of Change: Kamiya’s Departure and Okami Sequel
Taura’s exit is not the only major shake-up at PlatinumGames in recent years. In 2023, the studio’s co-founder and legendary game director Hideki Kamiya also left the company. He soon partnered with Clovers, a new studio that has since entered a collaboration with Capcom to develop the long-awaited sequel to Okami—a cult classic that Kamiya originally directed back in 2006.
These changes reflect a growing trend among Japanese developers to break away from major studios in favor of smaller, independent teams where they can explore more personal and experimental game ideas.
What’s Next for PlatinumGames?
Despite these high-profile departures, PlatinumGames remains active. The studio is now working alongside Team Ninja on the development of Ninja Gaiden 4, reviving one of the most beloved action series in the gaming world. The partnership suggests PlatinumGames is staying true to its reputation for high-octane combat, even as it faces internal changes.
Fans of the studio are eager to see how this collaboration will shape the next generation of Ninja Gaiden, and whether it will live up to the franchise’s fast-paced legacy.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Taura and the Industry
Takahisa Taura’s move to establish Eel Game marks a significant new chapter not just in his own journey, but for the future of Japanese game development. As more veteran creators strike out on their own, the industry is likely to see a wave of fresh, original IPs driven by passion and creative freedom.
Though it may be some time before we see Eel Game’s first title, the community is watching closely. With Taura’s track record and eye for innovation, there’s little doubt that whatever he’s working on next will be worth the wait.
