Ōkami 2 Is Being Made in RE Engine, Confirmed

Following last year's Game Awards announcement of an Ōkami sequel, fan speculation immediately centered on Capcom's use of the RE Engine, given their role as publisher. IGN can exclusively confirm this speculation after interviewing key project leads.

In an extensive interview, Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata confirmed the use of RE Engine. Regarding Machine Head Works' involvement, Sakata explained their role as a bridge between Capcom (IP holder and director of the game's overall vision) and Clover (development lead). Machine Head Works' experience working with Capcom on multiple titles, and their prior collaboration with director Hideki Kamiya, provides crucial insight into Capcom's needs and expectations. Crucially, Machine Head Works also possesses extensive experience with the RE Engine, a skillset lacking within Clover's development team. Furthermore, their team includes individuals who worked on the original Ōkami, offering invaluable expertise.

When asked about the appeal of RE Engine, and its specific benefits for an Ōkami sequel, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi offered a succinct "Yes," elaborating that Capcom believes Kamiya's artistic vision wouldn't be achievable without it. Kamiya himself added that RE Engine's renowned expressive capabilities align perfectly with fan expectations for the sequel's visual quality.

Sakata further highlighted RE Engine's potential, suggesting it will enable the team to realize aspects of the original Ōkami's design that were previously technically impossible. He stated that current technology, particularly with RE Engine, allows them to achieve their original ambitions and even surpass them.

RE Engine, originally developed for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, has become Capcom's flagship engine, powering major titles such as the Resident Evil series, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter, and Dragon's Dogma. While most RE Engine games feature a realistic art style, the prospect of its application to Ōkami's distinctive aesthetic is particularly intriguing. Capcom's development of the REX engine, a successor to RE Engine, and its gradual integration into the existing platform, suggests that some REX elements might also appear in the Ōkami sequel.

For a complete account of our interview with the Ōkami sequel's development team, including a full Q&A, please see the linked article.