Okami 2: Kamiya's 18-Year Dream Realized

Hideki Kamiya, after a remarkable 20-year tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching his own studio, Clovers Inc., and delivering a highly anticipated Okami sequel. Discover more about this exciting new project and Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.

Okami Sequel: 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 announced his return with a much-desired sequel to Okami. This project marks the launch of his new studio, Clovers Inc., and a partnership with Capcom as publisher.

Kamiya has openly expressed his desire to create sequels for Okami and Viewtiful Joe, feeling their narratives were incomplete. He even humorously recounted his past attempts to secure a sequel from Capcom, highlighting his dedication to these projects. Now, his long-held ambition is finally realized.

Clovers Inc.: A New Studio, A Shared Vision

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc., a name echoing the original Okami developer, Clover Studio, and paying homage to Kamiya's early Capcom teams, represents a joint venture between Kamiya and former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama. Following Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames in October 2023, Koyama's invitation to start a new company, focused on this project, proved pivotal. Koyama manages Clovers Inc. as president, allowing Kamiya to concentrate on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people across Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for measured 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

Leaving PlatinumGames: A Change in Philosophy

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led for two decades, surprised many. He attributes this decision to internal changes that conflicted with his personal game development philosophy. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he emphasizes a shared creative vision with Koyama as the driving force behind the new venture. The excitement surrounding the Okami sequel, built from the ground up, fuels his passion for this new chapter.

A Softer Side: An Apology and Renewed Engagement

Beyond his creative prowess, Kamiya is known for his sometimes blunt online persona. Recently, however, he showed a more empathetic side, publicly apologizing to a fan he had previously insulted on social media. This gesture, coupled with unblocking fans and engaging with positive fan reactions to the Okami sequel announcement, signals a shift in his online interactions. While his characteristic directness remains, a warmer tone is emerging.