In a notable shift within the gaming industry, Takahisa Taura, a former designer at PlatinumGames, has embarked on a new journey by establishing Eel Game Studio. This development comes after a period of speculation regarding Taura’s status at PlatinumGames, particularly following his removal of any affiliation with the studio from his social media profiles last year. The news was first reported by Famitsu and later translated by Genki, with VGC also highlighting this significant transition.
New Beginnings for Taura
While details about Eel Game Studio remain sparse, Taura’s role as a founding member signals a fresh chapter in his career. His departure marks him as the latest high-profile exit from PlatinumGames, which has seen a notable turnover in its leadership. This follows the exit of founder Hideki Kamiya earlier in 2023, who has since returned to Capcom to lead a new studio named Clovers, a nod to his previous work at Clover Studio from 2004 to 2006.
Reflecting on his departure, Kamiya expressed his feelings about leaving a significant role at PlatinumGames, stating, “If I was satisfied at Platinum, then I wouldn’t have left.” He voiced concerns for the staff remaining at the studio, underscoring the impact of such high-level departures on the team.
Takahisa Taura’s contributions to the gaming world include his design work on acclaimed titles such as Nier Automata and Astral Chain, showcasing his talent and creativity. As he steps into this new venture with Eel Game Studio, the industry watches with anticipation to see what innovative projects may emerge from his vision.