Okami 2 Fulfills Director Hideki Kamiya's 18 Year Dream for a Sequel

Hideki Kamiya, after a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching his own studio, Clovers Inc., and spearheading a highly anticipated Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of this exciting new project and Kamiya's reasons for leaving PlatinumGames.

A Long-Awaited Sequel

Renowned game director Hideki Kamiya, known for his work on titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, has finally realized his long-held ambition: creating an Okami sequel. In a recent interview with VGC, Kamiya revealed his desire to complete the unfinished narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, a sentiment he previously expressed publicly, even jokingly recounting his unsuccessful attempts to convince Capcom to greenlight a sequel. Now, with Clovers Inc. and Capcom as publisher, this dream is becoming a reality.

Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Kamiya's new studio, Clovers Inc., pays homage to both Clover Studio (the developer of the original Okami and Viewtiful Joe) and his early Capcom team responsible for Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. This joint venture with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama sees Koyama managing the business side as president, allowing Kamiya to focus on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes the importance of shared creative vision over sheer size, attracting a team of passionate individuals, many of whom are former PlatinumGames employees.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led creatively for 20 years, surprised many. He alludes to internal disagreements regarding game development philosophy, stating that his vision didn't align with the company's evolving direction. The opportunity to collaborate with Koyama, who shares his creative philosophy, proved pivotal in establishing Clovers Inc.

A Public Apology and a Softer Side

Beyond his celebrated game development career, Kamiya is known for his sometimes blunt online persona. He recently issued a public apology to a fan he had previously insulted, demonstrating a shift towards greater empathy and engagement with his fanbase. He's been actively responding to fans, unblocking users, and acknowledging their enthusiasm for the Okami sequel announcement. While his characteristic directness remains, a more conciliatory tone is evident.