The upcoming Stellar Blade collaboration with Bayonetta gave Shift Up an opportunity to bring the iconic witch’s fashion into Eve’s world while adding original designs of its own. In a new interview with Japanese gaming magazine Famitsu, representatives from both studios discussed how they approached the crossover, including why PlatinumGames deliberately avoided micromanaging the design process.
Shift Up CEO Kim Hyung Tae described creating the outfits as a rewarding learning experience, although he admitted he had to restrain his creative ambitions. Meanwhile, PlatinumGames CEO Atsushi Inaba explained that excessive interference could have undermined the partnership. Their comments offer a closer look at how the two studios balanced respect for the original character with the distinctive visual identity of Stellar Blade.
PLATINUMGAMES TRUSTED SHIFT UP WITH BAYONETTA’S COSTUMES
According to the interview, Shift Up received feedback that showed PlatinumGames wanted Bayonetta to be treated carefully while still allowing her to take shape within Stellar Blade.
Kim said the approval process moved quickly, helping the team develop the costumes without unnecessary delays. Recreating the decorative words featured on Bayonetta’s outfit proved challenging because each element carried meaning, but he described the process as a “fun learning experience.”
The collaboration also includes a nun costume that Kim said was particularly memorable from the original game. He expressed satisfaction that the design received approval for its appearance in Stellar Blade.
Inaba explained that PlatinumGames was comfortable giving Shift Up creative control because the team trusted Kim and his developers to respect Bayonetta. He said being overly particular about every detail would damage the collaboration, adding that the company’s approach was simply to ask Shift Up to do a good job.
That trust reportedly paid off. Inaba said the results exceeded his expectations, highlighting how creative freedom allowed the collaboration to become more than a straightforward recreation of existing outfits.
KIM HYUNG TAE DESIGNED AN ORIGINAL BAYONETTA-INSPIRED COSTUME
One of the most notable parts of the collaboration is an original outfit designed by Kim rather than directly adapted from an existing Bayonetta costume. The design, called Black Tresses, was revealed at Tokyo Game Show 2026 and reflects the Stellar Blade director’s personal artistic style.
Kim explained that he deliberately restrained his creative instincts to ensure the outfit would suit both Eve and the world of Bayonetta. He joked that he did not want people to look at the design and wonder whether he was “insane.”
Inaba was impressed with the result, describing the outfit in one word: “amazing.” He also emphasized that collaborations should offer more than familiar designs reproduced in another game. Different artists bring their own interpretations and personal flair to established characters, and he believes those creative differences are part of what makes crossovers worthwhile.
Inaba said Kim’s design achieved a balance between Bayonetta and Stellar Blade that not every designer could manage. Kim, meanwhile, suggested that he might eventually like to create a more uninhibited version of the outfit if another opportunity arises.
WHEN THE BAYONETTA COSTUMES ARRIVE IN STELLAR BLADE
The collaboration includes four outfits inspired by the Bayonetta series, including the original design created by Kim. According to the official announcement from PlatinumGames, the costumes are scheduled to become available as a free update for Stellar Blade on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5 and PC.
The release is timed to coincide with Stellar Blade Complete Edition arriving on Nintendo Switch 2 on November 5, 2026, in several regions. The collaboration offers fans of both franchises a chance to see Bayonetta’s distinctive fashion reimagined for Eve.
The interview also highlights the creative trust between Shift Up and PlatinumGames. Rather than insisting on a strict recreation of existing designs, PlatinumGames allowed Shift Up to contribute its own ideas, resulting in a crossover that honors Bayonetta while reflecting the identity of Stellar Blade.
