PlatinumGames, developer of Bayonetta and Nier: Automata, is teasing an in-development game described as a, "formless, shapeless IP." At BitSummit 2017 in Kyoto, Japan, PlatinumGames producer Atsushi Inaba made the announcement, but was only willing to share one more detail regarding the project: the new IP will be made by a new director at the company.

Currently PlatinumGames has several notable employees who have directed significant projects. For instance, Hideki Kamiya of Devil May Cry and Bayonetta fame is free coming off of the cancellation of Scalebound. Other potentials include Yoko Taro who recently finished Nier: Automata, Bayonetta 2 director Yusuke Hashimoto, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance director Kenji Saito and a few others. It's surprising to hear a new director is stepping into the chair, but maybe Inaba is referring to himself  -- the legendary producer finally directing his first game.

The surprise here isn't regarding PlatinumGames picking up a new game director, because the studio has shown in the past it's more than willing to give talented individuals the opportunity. What is interesting to note is that the studio is trying out a new director on a new IP, potentially the first new IP that Platinum wholly owns. Typically for publisher-owned new IPs, the studio would not be announcing the project without also revealing the publisher.

Meanwhile, PlatinumGames is currently involved in at least two other projects. Granblue Fantasy Project Re:Link is a high fantasy action RPG for the PlayStation 4, while Lost Order is strategy title for mobile games, and each is scheduled for 2018. Both games are co-developed by Cygames and neither have been confirmed for western release, which is to say PlatinumGames has no games currently in development for western audiences.

Confidence should be held in PlatinumGames whatever the project turns out to be. The studio built its brand on original IP, even if it has never retained ownership.

Platinum's first major contract was to develop new IP for Sega, which led to MadWorld, Infinite Space, Bayonetta, Vanquish, and Anarchy Reigns. Bayonetta's success led to a Nintendo-published sequel as well as The Wonderful 101. Its two games with Cygames are both new new IP, also. And let's not forget Microsoft's now canceled Scalebound. PlatinumGames wouldn't be going forward without absolute confidence.

News regarding PlatinumGames' new IP may be months, if not years, away, but all things considered it's likely the studio will show up attached to one project or another during E3 2017.