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 helming a highly anticipated Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of this exciting new project and Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.

A Long-Awaited Return

Gaming legend Hideki Kamiya, renowned for directing iconic 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 an interview with VGC, Kamiya discussed his new studio, Clovers Inc., the revival of the beloved 18-year-old IP, and his reasons for leaving PlatinumGames. He openly admitted his desire to complete the unfinished narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, even humorously recounting his unsuccessful attempts to convince Capcom to greenlight a sequel. Now, with his own studio and Capcom as publisher, his dream is becoming a reality.

Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Kamiya's new venture, Clovers Inc., pays homage to both Clover Studio (the developer of Okami and Viewtiful Joe) and his early Capcom team responsible for Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. The studio, a joint effort with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, currently employs 25 individuals across Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes a shared creative vision over sheer size, aiming to cultivate a team of passionate developers. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who share Kamiya and Koyama's creative philosophy.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led creatively for two decades, surprised many. He attributes his decision to internal changes that conflicted with his personal approach to game development. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he affirms that a shared creative vision with Koyama was the catalyst for establishing Clovers Inc.

A Softer Side?

Beyond his celebrated game design, Kamiya is known for his sometimes blunt online interactions. However, following the Okami 2 announcement, he expressed remorse for past harsh comments towards fans, even issuing a public apology to a fan he had previously insulted. While still maintaining his characteristic directness, he appears to be showing a more conciliatory side, engaging more positively with fans online.