PlatinumGames issues statement following Bayonetta VA controversy

The past week has been rough for PlatinumGames, following a call on fans to boycott the upcoming release of Bayonetta 3 due to a dispute with the lead voice actor from the first two games. Platinum stayed quiet at the time, but today, the company released a statement addressing the situation. 

Hellena Taylor, the original voice actor for Bayonetta, recently called on fans to boycott the upcoming release of Bayonetta 3, claiming that PlatinumGames only offered her a $4000 flat rate to come back for the third game. Shortly after that, sources claimed that the offer was actually around $4000 per session, with plans for up to 5 sessions, bringing the total value of the deal up to around $15,000. Taylor disputes the claim that she could have earned $15,000 working on this project.

New Bayonetta voice actor, Jennifer Hale, had already spoken up on the situation, calling for fans to be mindful that there is an entire team that worked hard on this game. PlatinumGames has now spoken up itself, with a statement that offers support for Hale as the new voice of Bayonetta.

“We at PlatinumGames offer our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has contributed to creating the Bayonetta series over the years, as well as the community that has served as its foundation. We give our full support to Jennifer Hale as the new Bayonetta, and align with everything in her statement. We ask people to please refrain from any further comments that would disrespect Jennifer or any of the other contributors to the series”.

Bayonetta 3 is due to release on Nintendo Switch on the 28th of October.

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KitGuru Says: Typically, companies like to handle these business disputes privately, so it isn't surprising that Platinum doesn't mention Taylor directly or her allegations. Whether or not this situation will have an impact on Bayonetta 3 sales still remains to be seen. 

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