Okami 2: Kamiya's Long-Awaited Dream Fulfilled

Hideki Kamiya, after a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching Clovers Inc. and helming the long-awaited Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of this exciting new project and Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.

A Long-Held Dream Realized

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 brought his vision for an Okami sequel to life. In a VGC interview, Kamiya discussed Clovers Inc., the resurgence of the Okami IP after 18 years, and his reasons for leaving PlatinumGames. He's openly stated his desire to complete the narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, feeling a responsibility to resolve unfinished storylines. His previous attempts to convince Capcom to develop a sequel proved unsuccessful, leading to humorous anecdotes shared with fellow director Ikumi Nakamura. Now, with his own studio and Capcom as publisher, his ambition is finally becoming a reality.

Clovers Inc.: A New Studio, A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Kamiya's new venture, Clovers Inc., pays homage to Clover Studio, the developer behind Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and his early Capcom team responsible for Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. The studio's founding reflects Kamiya's deep respect for Clover Studio's creative philosophy, rooted in the values instilled by Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami. Clovers Inc. is a joint effort with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, who serves as president, allowing Kamiya to focus on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people across Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes that the studio's success hinges not on size, but on a shared creative vision and passion. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who share this vision.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led for 20 years, surprised many. He attributes his decision to internal changes that conflicted with his game development philosophy. While he doesn't elaborate on specifics, he stresses the alignment of his vision with Koyama's, forming the foundation of Clovers Inc. Despite the circumstances, Kamiya expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building a company from the ground up.

A Softer Side Emerges

Beyond his celebrated game development career, Kamiya is known for his sometimes blunt online interactions with fans. Recently, however, he showed a more empathetic side, apologizing to a fan he had previously insulted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing remorse and even unblocking fans. While his characteristic directness remains, this demonstrates a shift towards greater engagement and consideration.