Is Bayonetta 3 Still Coming Out?
Developed by Platinum Games, the action-packed Bayonetta series is well known for its exciting fighting mechanics, extraordinary boss fights, and its campy yet sultry title character. The first entry in the franchise was released in 2009 for PlayStation 3 and Xbox, before getting ported over to Wii U in 2014, PC and Switch in 2018, and finally PlayStation 4 and Xbox One in 2020. The game's sequel, Bayonetta 2, made its debut in 2014 and remains exclusive to Wii U and Nintendo Switch.
The series has received a ton of acclaim from both players and critics, making it a household name in the hack and slash genre. Following the success of the first and second entries, Nintendo announced a third title, Bayonetta 3, at the 2017 Game Awards. Since then, there hasn't been any recent news or updates as to the status of this much-anticipated game. Despite the notable silence from both Nintendo and Platinum Games, there have been a few rumors and breadcrumbs of information surrounding the elusive title, and whether or not it's still being developed.
Bayonetta 3 is still very much in development
Various team members from Platinum Games have assured fans that Bayonetta 3 is still very much in development. Despite these nuggets of hope, fans still remain anxious about the title's fate. However, during a January 2021 interview with Famitsu (translation via VGC), Bayonetta creator Hideki Kamiya chimed in about the game's progress, and specifically told fans not to fret.
Kamiya said, "There are many people who are worried about Bayonetta 3 because there has been no new information since its original announcement, but the verification of new systems has been successful and the development is progressing smoothly, so please don't worry."
In addition to this reassurance from Kamiya, a separate conversation he had during an Arcade Archives stream in early January 2021 contained more information about the game's development. Nintendo Everything's translation of the interview reveals that Kamiya hopes to make an announcement soon. "We've been working on new stuff like Bayonetta 3, not that I can say too much but I hope we can give an update during the year," Kamiya said.
Although a Bayonetta 3 reveal hasn't been officially confirmed, hopefully fans will finally be able to see their favorite stylish, angel-slaying witch in action soon.