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Entertainment • Video Game

Bayonetta

Bayonetta is an urban fantasy action-adventure video game franchise created by Hideki Kamiya.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bayonetta is an urban fantasy action-adventure video game franchise created by Hideki Kamiya. It is developed by PlatinumGames and owned by Sega. The series began in 2009 and later became closely associated with Nintendo through its sequels and later releases. In Canada, the franchise has been released through major console and PC platforms, making it part of the broader North American video game market for Canadian players.

Premise

Bayonetta follows an amnesiac Umbra Witch named Bayonetta, also known as Cereza, who battles angels and other supernatural enemies. The setting mixes modern action with urban fantasy elements.

Games

The series began with Bayonetta in 2009 and continued with Bayonetta 2 in 2014 and Bayonetta 3 in 2022. A prequel, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, was released in 2023.

Gameplay

The games are single-player action-adventure titles focused on stylish combat. Bayonetta uses firearms, melee attacks, magical abilities, and her hair as part of her combat style.

Reception

The franchise has been well received critically and is widely recognized as a defining series for PlatinumGames. It is also described as one of Sega’s best-known franchises.

Key facts

  • The franchise debuted with Bayonetta in 2009.
  • It includes Bayonetta 2 (2014), Bayonetta 3 (2022), and the prequel Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon (2023).
  • The games center on Bayonetta, a witch who uses dual pistols, magical attacks, and hair-based supernatural abilities.
  • Bayonetta is developed by PlatinumGames and owned by Sega.
  • Since Bayonetta 2, Nintendo has published the series’ main releases.
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Canadian context

Bayonetta has been released in Canada through major console and PC platforms, making it part of the broader North American video game market for Canadian players.

Frequently asked questions

What is Bayonetta?
Bayonetta is a video game franchise created by Hideki Kamiya and developed by PlatinumGames.
Who owns Bayonetta?
The franchise is owned by Sega.
What type of game is Bayonetta?
It is an action-adventure, hack and slash video game series with an urban fantasy setting.
Who is Bayonetta?
Bayonetta is the titular protagonist, also known as Cereza, an Umbra Witch with magical combat abilities.
What is the first Bayonetta game?
The first game, Bayonetta, was released in 2009.
Is Bayonetta only on Nintendo platforms?
No. The series began on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, and later entries and re-releases appeared on Nintendo platforms and other systems.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayonetta
    Supports: Franchise overview, creator, developer, owner, release history, genres, and reception.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayonetta_(character)
    Supports: Bayonetta/Cereza as the titular protagonist and her role as an Umbra Witch.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayonetta_(video_game)
    Supports: Gameplay, setting, character abilities, and single-player action-adventure format.
  4. Bayonetta official site — https://www.bayonetta.com/characters
    Supports: Character description, weapons, and magical combat abilities.
  5. StrategyWiki — https://strategywiki.org/wiki/Bayonetta
    Supports: Game genre, setting, and platform information.
  6. Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4874693
    Supports: Canonical identification of Bayonetta as a fictional character from the series.