Hideki Kamiya is a renowned Japanese video game designer and director. He is famous for directing Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Ōkami during his tenure at Capcom, which began in 1994. Between 2004 and 2006, he contributed his talents to the Capcom subsidiary Clover Studio. Subsequently, he co-founded PlatinumGames in 2006, where he assumed the role of vice president from 2017 until his departure in 2023. His creative contributions at PlatinumGames include acclaimed titles like Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101. Hideki Kamiya is leaving Platinum studio on October 12th, 2023, citing personal beliefs as the reason for his departure. The news was confirmed on Twitter.
Hideki Kamiya, a celebrated Japanese video game designer and director, made his mark at Capcom with titles such as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Ōkami. He later co-founded PlatinumGames, where he served as vice president until 2023, contributing to acclaimed titles like Bayonetta and The Wonderful 101.
Born on December 19, 1970, in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan, Hideki Kamiya holds Japanese nationality and belongs to the Japanese-Asian ethnicity. His passion for video games ignited in his youth, thanks to a neighbor who introduced him to the world of gaming through the Epoch Cassette Vision console. As he progressed through junior school, he acquired his very own Nintendo Famicom, with "Nuts & Milk" being his inaugural game purchase. His enthusiasm for gaming led him to purchase an NEC PC-8801 during high school, ostensibly for programming studies but ultimately becoming a platform for daily gaming. Notably, his first software acquisition for the PC-8801 MA computer was "Hydlide 3: The Space Memories." Kamiya continued his educational journey at Kyorin University and Mitaka Campus. He applied for game developer jobs after graduating from college.
Hideki Kamiya's journey into game development was sparked by an interview in Family Computer Magazine featuring Shigeru Miyamoto and Masanobu Endo. Despite initial job rejections from Sega and an offer from Namco as an artist, he eventually joined Capcom in 1994. His early work included planning for the original Resident Evil. Kamiya went on to direct Resident Evil 2, leading a team composed of both new and original Resident Evil staff, although he faced creative disagreements with producer Shinji Mikami initially. To meet Capcom's sales target of two million copies, Kamiya aimed to infuse a more Hollywood-style narrative into the game, prompting significant plot revisions and a complete redesign. Ultimately, the team's efforts led to Resident Evil 2's successful release and promotion alongside Resident Evil Director's Cut.
Hideki Kamiya's role as the director of Devil May Cry, originally conceived as the earliest version of Resident Evil 4, marked a pivotal moment in the development of action games. Initially intended for the PlayStation 2, the project was initiated at the request of producer Shinji Mikami, and a scenario created by Noboru Sugimura aligned with Kamiya's vision for a stylish action game. The story revolves around the protagonist Tony, an invincible man with enhanced abilities attributed to biotechnology. Kamiya's innovative decision to employ a dynamic camera system and real-world European textures distinguished it from prior Resident Evil titles. However, it evolved into Devil May Cry as it diverged from the survival horror genre and focused on demon-infested realms with the hero named Dante.
The game's creation involved Team Little Devils and incorporated acrobatics, combat mechanics, and mission-based progression. Kamiya intentionally designed it to be challenging for players accustomed to casual gaming. Despite the original's success, Kamiya was not involved in Devil May Cry 2, a decision that disappointed him. He offered advice on characterization and design for Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening but was not the director. Kamiya has expressed interest in remaking the original Devil May Cry, despite no longer being employed by Capcom.
Hideki Kamiya, as the director of Viewtiful Joe, spearheaded a staff-focused project aimed at enhancing their skills. He even lent his voice to Six Machine in the game. Subsequently, in 2006, Kamiya directed Ōkami, a project initiated by Clover Studio with a nature-oriented concept that evolved significantly during development. The game featured a unique gameplay mechanic allowing players to pause and draw on the landscape to influence the world. This mix of action, platforming, and puzzle genres drew comparisons to The Legend of Zelda series, a clear influence on Kamiya's game design. However, Clover Studio was closed by Capcom in late 2006.
Kamiya then joined Shinji Mikami and Atsushi Inaba to found PlatinumGames in August 2006. Under PlatinumGames, Kamiya directed titles like Bayonetta, The Wonderful 101, and Bayonetta 2. He also expressed interest in creating a new Star Fox game but faced difficulties with Nintendo until eventually working on Star Fox Zero. Kamiya's involvement in Scalebound for Microsoft Studios ended with its cancellation in January 2017. In October 2022, there was controversy surrounding the casting of Bayonetta 3, with allegations and disputes over the offered compensation to voice actress Hellena Taylor, leading to Kamiya's temporary deactivation of his Twitter account. In September 2023, it was announced that Kamiya would be departing from PlatinumGames.
Hideki Kamiya, a prominent video game designer and director, has a substantial net worth surpassing $5 million as of 2023, primarily stemming from his illustrious career in game design. Currently, he enjoys an annual income exceeding $1 million. His journey in the industry began in 1994 when he joined Capcom, and over the years, he directed several iconic titles such as Resident Evil 2 (1998), Devil May Cry (2001), Viewtiful Joe (2003), and Ōkami (2006). His prosperous career has enabled him to lead a lavish lifestyle, fueled by his impressive earnings.
Hideki Kamiya is a handsome man with the standing height of 1.72 meters. His body weight is around 60 KG. His bald head and warm brown eyes complement his average body build. Sporting stylish spectacles that suit him well, he maintains a short beard that serves as a distinctive facial feature. With a captivating smile and a glowing countenance, he naturally draws the attention of many admirers.
Kamiya is a distinguished writer and director, recognized for his notable contributions to the gaming world, including titles such as Okami (2006), The Wonderful 101 (2013), and Bayonetta (2009). His illustrious career also includes directing Resident Evil 2 (1998), Devil May Cry (2001), Viewtiful Joe (2003), and Ōkami (2006), showcasing his enduring impact on the industry.
In 2006, Hideki, alongside his former Capcom colleagues Shinji Mikami and Atsushi Inaba, established their own video game company initially named Seeds, Inc. This venture, founded on August 1, 2006, underwent a transformation in October 2007 when it merged with Odd Inc., leading to the formation of PlatinumGames, marking a significant chapter in Kamiya's career in game development.
Kamiya took the helm in developing the action-packed game Bayonetta during his tenure at PlatinumGames, with the title's Japanese release in October 2009 followed by a global launch in January 2010. This success led to the creation of its sequel, Bayonetta 2, released in 2014. In addition to his work on the games, an animated film adaptation titled Bayonetta: Bloody Fate hit Japanese screens in November 2013. Kamiya's creative leadership at PlatinumGames also extended to directing the production of The Wonderful 101 in 2013, further solidifying his impact on the gaming world.
Hideki is undeniably one of the most innovative creative directors in the gaming industry, driven by his passion for crafting entirely new concepts. Nonetheless, some fans express frustration over his absence from sequel development for his original creations. Kamiya, in his defense, holds firm to the belief that his talents and role are better aligned with the creation of fresh and distinctive ideas rather than revisiting past ones, staying true to his dedication to originality.
Hideki Kamiya, the renowned game developer, is also a formidable online presence. With over 162K followers on Twitter since his debut in February 2010, he's gained notoriety for his candid and easily provoked online persona. Kamiya is known for his blunt remarks and a low tolerance for internet trolls, swiftly blocking any fans who rub him the wrong way. His online encounters are legendary, showcasing his no-nonsense attitude.