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

Hideki Kamiya, the legendary former Capcom game director, has made a triumphant return to the gaming industry with an exciting new project: a sequel to the beloved game Okami. After spending two decades at PlatinumGames, Kamiya has embarked on this new venture with his recently founded studio, Clovers Inc. Dive into the details of this much-anticipated sequel and learn about the vision behind Clovers.

Okami Sequel Helmed By Kamiya Himself

Fulfilling A Long-Standing Ambition

In an exclusive interview with VGC, Kamiya shared insights into Clovers Inc., the revival of the 18-year-old Okami IP, and the reasons behind his departure from PlatinumGames. Known for directing masterpieces such as the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, Kamiya has long harbored a desire to create sequels for Okami and Viewtiful Joe. He felt that the narratives of these games were unfinished, a sentiment he expressed in a YouTube video alongside fellow game director Ikumi Nakamura. Despite his efforts to persuade Capcom for a sequel, his requests went unanswered until now.

With Clovers Inc., Kamiya's vision for an Okami sequel is finally becoming a reality, in partnership with Capcom as the publisher.

New Sequel With New Studio, Clovers Inc.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc. is named in homage to Clover Studio, the original developer of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, as well as Kamiya's first team at Capcom that worked on Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. Clover Studio, founded by former members of Capcom's Division 4, was built on the creative philosophy championed by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. Kamiya remains deeply proud of his time at Clover Studio, and the principles they upheld continue to guide him at Clovers Inc.

Clovers Inc. is a joint venture between Kamiya and his former PlatinumGames colleague, Kento Koyama. Following Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames in October 2023, Koyama's proposal to start a new company and project reignited Kamiya's passion for game development. Koyama serves as president, managing the company, while Kamiya focuses on what he does best: creating games.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Currently, Clovers Inc. has 25 employees split between Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes that the key to Clovers' success lies not in the number of employees but in their shared passion and creative mindset. Many of the team members are former PlatinumGames employees who have worked with either Kamiya or Koyama and share their vision for game development.

On His Exit From PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led for 20 years, surprised many. He hinted at internal changes that did not align with his creative philosophy, leading him to seek new opportunities. His collaboration with Koyama and the founding of Clovers Inc. represent a fresh start, driven by a shared vision for game development.

Despite the challenges of starting anew, Kamiya is excited about the Okami sequel and the journey of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up. "The end goal is to make games, but just bringing people together and starting this company from nothing is also what's really exciting for me," he shared.

Kamiya Apologizes For Snappy Remark To Fan

Kamiya, known for his sharp and often humorous responses on social media, recently showed a softer side. On December 16th, he posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter) after recognizing a fan he had previously insulted. The fan's emotional reaction to the Okami sequel announcement touched Kamiya, prompting him to reflect on his past behavior. He expressed regret and admiration for the fan, signaling a potential shift in his interactions with the gaming community.

While Kamiya continues to engage with fans, he remains true to his candid style, occasionally calling out those who push his patience too far. However, his willingness to apologize and engage more positively with fans is a step towards a more harmonious relationship with his audience.