Bayonetta's Smash Bros. Journey: Hideki Kamiya Reflects on Trusting Masahiro Sakurai

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Published on: May 31, 2025

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Bayonetta’s path into the Super Smash Bros.

universe is a compelling chapter in modern gaming, underscoring the collaborative nature of Nintendo’s iconic fighting franchise.

In a recent rapid-fire interview with MinnMax, renowned game developer Hideki Kamiya shed light on how his famous witch made the leap from PlatinumGames’ stylish action series to the multifaceted roster of Super Smash Bros., led by director Masahiro Sakurai.

First introduced as the final DLC character in Super Smash Bros.

for Wii U and Nintendo 3DS in February 2016, Bayonetta quickly became a fan favorite, celebrated for her unique moveset and faithful adaptation from her original games.

Notably, Hideki Kamiya, who co-created Bayonetta and oversaw her debut at PlatinumGames, revealed that he placed complete confidence in Sakurai’s vision for her transition to Nintendo’s platform brawler. "I told Sakurai to do whatever he wanted," Kamiya recounted.

"I trusted him to do the best job." These words emphasize the mutual respect and trust existing between developers, a tradition that has helped Super Smash Bros.

become a showcase for industry cooperation and creative crossovers.

Past Super Smash Bros.

releases have featured similar input from original creators—such as the updated design for Wii Fit Trainer in Super Smash Bros.

Ultimate, which originated as a direct request from her developers. Kamiya also addressed the lighter side of his relationship with Sakurai during the interview, jokingly comparing their YouTube pursuits.

When asked whether he felt any animosity towards Sakurai for his apparent ease with YouTube content creation, Kamiya quipped, "Yeah, but I think my YouTube channel is much more interesting than Sakurai’s." The entire Bayonetta trilogy is now available on Nintendo Switch, giving both longtime fans and newcomers the opportunity to experience Kamiya’s acclaimed blend of fast-paced combat and inventive storytelling.

While Hideki Kamiya has since departed from PlatinumGames, he has discussed his vision for the series and its future potential, reflecting the ongoing legacy and influence of his work across multiple gaming platforms. Bayonetta’s inclusion in Super Smash Bros.

is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Nintendo’s premiere franchises, as well as the adaptability of beloved characters as they evolve across genres and hardware.

For more insights into developer interactions and franchise milestones, stay tuned to updates following each Nintendo Direct and keep an eye on the eShop for the latest releases.

Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros Nintendo Masahiro Sakurai Smash Bros Switch Hideki Kamiya Bayonetta Sakurai Super Smash Bros. PlatinumGames MinnMax

Bayonetta creator told Sakurai "to do whatever he wanted" when bringing the character to Smash Bros.