Bayonetta 3: Producer Reflects on the Massive Controversy Two Years Later

PlatinumGames Producer Reflects on Bayonetta 3’s Controversial Launch Two Years Later

Significant controversy accompanied the launch of Bayonetta 3. Before its release, voice actress Hellena Taylor, who had voiced the titular character in the first two games, publicly called for players to boycott the third installment due to a payment dispute with the studio. Now, two years later, PlatinumGames producer Hideki Kamiya has addressed the drama surrounding the game.

The controversy began in October 2022, just before Bayonetta 3 hit shelves. Hellena Taylor released videos stating she declined to reprise her role, claiming PlatinumGames offered an “immoral” and “unfair wage.” She described the offer as “a slap in the face to me, my hard work, and all I’ve given to this game and its fans.” Taylor urged Bayonetta fans who valued “people and fairness” to boycott the game if they agreed with her stance. This ignited a wave of online criticism, with users inundating PlatinumGames and Hideki Kamiya’s social media with calls to boycott the game and support those affected by financial decisions. At the time, Kamiya expressed his disappointment, stating, “Today’s events are a total letdown.” Subsequent investigation by journalist Jason Schreier revealed that Taylor had omitted key details from her statements. PlatinumGames had, in fact, extended multiple salary offers, all of which Taylor declined, requesting a significantly higher amount instead.

Recently, Hideki Kamiya spoke on his personal YouTube channel about the controversy, specifically addressing the backlash he experienced even after the truth about Taylor’s claims emerged. Kamiya described the intensity of the online harassment: “My Twitter feed went wild; I couldn’t stop scrolling. Blocking didn’t help much either; I couldn’t keep up.” He further noted the actions of some public figures during that period. “People said their piece. Even famous ones got involved and messaged me,” Kamiya recalled. He observed that once the situation calmed down, many of these individuals “quietly deleted their tweets.” Kamiya condemned this behavior, stating, “Come on, own up first before pulling stunts like that. That’s some real cowardice. You put it out there on social media, right? So if you were wrong, fess up publicly.”

Kamiya expressed strong feelings about accountability. “I might act like that,” he stated, referring to his own direct communication style, “but I have my own rules. If I’m not in the wrong? Then no way, I won’t apologize. Not a chance. But if I am wrong, I’ll own up to it as needed.” He concluded by reflecting on the broader issue, stating, “Man, this was really bad. In other words, instant gratification isn’t always good… At least that’s what I’m trying to say.”

In Case You Missed It

For all fans of classic gaming and beautiful artistry, Sophie Laurent’s latest piece on “Okami 2: Hideki Kamiya Explains His Choice to Revive the License and Studio Clover,” published on December 13th, is a must-read. This insightful article delves into the surprising announcement at The Game Awards about the revival of Okami with its highly anticipated sequel. Dive into the journey of how Hideki Kamiya brought this cherished project back from the brink, along with his gratitude towards the dedicated fanbase that kept the flame alive. From pastel colors to Japanese motifs, discover how the original’s distinctive style will be preserved and learn more about the collaborative effort behind this miraculous comeback. Check out Sophie’s article here Okami 2: Hideki Kamiya Explains His Choice to Revive the License and Studio Clover… for an in-depth look at what the future holds for Okami. In a thought-provoking recent video, Hideki Kamiya also dives deep into the Bayonetta 3 controversy that erupted three years ago (check out “Hideki Kamiya Reflects on Bayonetta 3 Controversy Three Years Later” by Bruno Pferd, published on July 9, 2025) and offers his candid reflections. The discussion revolves around the initial misunderstanding regarding voice actress Helena Taylor’s compensation and the subsequent fallout from social media critics. Kamiya’s insightful commentary invites us to consider the importance of accountability in online discourse. For more details and a closer look at this complex issue, be sure to Hideki Kamiya Reflects on Bayonetta 3 Controversy Three Years Later.