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

Hideki Kamiya's Okami Sequel: A New Studio and a Realized Dream

After a 20-year tenure at PlatinumGames, Hideki Kamiya, renowned game director, embarks on a new chapter with a long-awaited Okami sequel and his newly established studio, Clovers Inc. This article delves into the upcoming title, the studio's formation, and Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.

A Long-Held Vision

Kamiya, celebrated for directing iconic games like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta, has consistently expressed his desire to create sequels for Okami and Viewtiful Joe, citing unfinished narratives. His attempts to persuade Capcom to develop sequels proved unsuccessful, a situation he humorously recounted in a YouTube video with Ikumi Nakamura. Now, his ambition is finally taking shape with a new studio and Capcom's support as publisher.

Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc., a joint venture with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, pays homage to Clover Studio, the developer of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and Kamiya's early Capcom team behind Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. Kamiya emphasizes the importance of shared creative principles, inherited from Clover Studio's founding philosophy. Koyama serves as president, managing the business aspects while Kamiya focuses on game development.

A Team Built on Shared Passion

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Currently employing 25 people across Tokyo and Osaka, Clovers Inc. plans gradual expansion. Kamiya stresses that the studio's success hinges not on size but on a shared creative vision, attracting passionate individuals who align with his development philosophy. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who followed Kamiya and Koyama, sharing this same vision.

Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led for two decades, surprised many. He alludes to internal changes that conflicted with his creative philosophy. The opportunity to create Okami 2 with Koyama, who shares his vision, proved pivotal in his decision.

A Softer Side?

Kamiya's online persona, known for its sharp wit and occasional bluntness, has undergone a subtle shift. Following the Okami sequel announcement, he publicly apologized to a fan he had previously insulted, expressing remorse and engaging more positively with fans online. While his signature directness remains, a more empathetic side seems to be emerging.

The future of Okami, under Kamiya’s guidance and the collaborative spirit of Clovers Inc., promises an exciting continuation of a beloved franchise.