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 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: a sequel to Okami. In a recent interview with VGC, Kamiya revealed his new studio, Clovers Inc., and the story behind the game's revival. He openly discussed his past attempts to secure a sequel from Capcom, highlighting his belief that the original game's narrative remained unfinished.

The new Okami sequel marks a significant milestone, with Kamiya's new studio partnering with Capcom as the publisher.

Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc., a joint venture between Kamiya and former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, pays homage to Clover Studio, the developer behind the original Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and also reflects Kamiya's early Capcom days. Koyama serves as president, handling the business side, while Kamiya focuses on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes a shared creative vision over sheer size, noting that the team comprises passionate individuals who share his development philosophy. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who followed Kamiya and Koyama.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded, surprised many. He alludes to internal disagreements regarding game development philosophies, stating that his decision stemmed from a desire to pursue a creative vision that aligned with his own. Despite this, he expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.

A Public Apology

Kamiya, known for his sometimes blunt social media presence, recently issued a public apology to a fan he had previously insulted. He expressed remorse for his past behavior, demonstrating a shift towards greater engagement and appreciation for his fans. While maintaining his characteristic directness, he's showing increased interaction with fans, responding to requests, and sharing positive fan content.