For a few years now, rumors have been flowing about Microsoft potentially acquiring Japanese powerhouse PlatinumGames. Comments from Xbox boss Phil Spencer about a desire to add a Japanese developer to its roster of studios have led many to believe Platinum would be the perfect fit. As far as Platinum is concerned, that isn’t going to happen.

In a new interview with Video Games Chronicle, both studio head Atsushi Inaba and co-founder Hideki Kamiya have stated they aren’t interested in joining the Xbox family. “I did read some rumors about Xbox wanting to purchase PlatinumGames,” Inaba said, “and I thought, ‘people on the internet write the craziest stuff,’ because that conversation has not come to our doorstep at all.”

According to Inaba, Platinum hasn’t even been approached on the subject. If Microsoft is being true to its word, the Japanese studio in question is not the house of Bayonetta. That doesn’t mean Inaba bears ill will towards Microsoft. “It’s not that we’re disinterested in Microsoft,” Inaba explained, “but if the relationship were to be us working under their direction, I feel like that would be the opposite of what we’re trying to do now and limit our possibilities.”

Ever the jokester, Kamiya added, “Maybe somebody reminded them that I’m still at the studio, and they were like, ‘right then, forget that! We’re not going to acquire them!’” Kamiya is famous for his sometimes rash persona on Twitter where he blocks people for small infractions. It’s kind of his schtick, though he is a bit outspoken.

So if Platinum hasn’t been approached and isn’t showing interest in joining the Xbox brand, where did the rumors start? It probably has to do with the now-canceled Scalebound. The project was primed to be an Xbox One exclusive before it was dropped for unknown reasons. With Microsoft still retaining that IP, people are probably clinging to the hope of its release with the idea that Platinum will become a second-party developer.

It is far too out there of an idea, however. Platinum is not only currently working on Bayonetta 3 for Nintendo, but it recently acquired the rights to self-publish a remaster of The Wonderful 101. The company is looking to become more independent, not jump in bed with another publisher.

Source: VGC

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