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

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 the new title, Kamiya's new studio, and his departure from PlatinumGames.

A Long-Held Aspiration Realized

Gaming legend Hideki Kamiya, renowned for directing titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, has finally fulfilled his 18-year ambition: a sequel to Okami. In a VGC interview, he revealed the creation of Clovers Inc., his new studio, and the partnership with Capcom, the publisher. Kamiya consistently expressed his desire to conclude the unfinished narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, even publicly joking about his unsuccessful attempts to secure a sequel from Capcom. Now, his vision is becoming a reality.

Clovers Inc.: A New Studio, A New Sequel

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

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc., a joint venture between Kamiya and former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, pays homage to Clover Studio, the developer of the original Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and Kamiya's early Capcom team behind Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. Koyama serves as president, managing the business aspects, while Kamiya focuses on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes a shared creative vision over sheer size, attracting a team of passionate developers, many of whom are former PlatinumGames employees.

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

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Departure from PlatinumGames

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

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led creatively for two decades, surprised many. He alludes to internal disagreements regarding game development philosophy, stating that a divergence in creative vision prompted his decision. Despite this, he expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.

An Apology and a Softer Side

Kamiya, known for his sometimes blunt online interactions with fans, recently issued a public apology to a fan he had previously insulted. This gesture, along with unblocking fans and engaging more positively with fan creations, suggests a shift in his online persona, although his characteristic directness remains.