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

Hideki Kamiya, the renowned game director, is making a triumphant return to the gaming world with a highly anticipated sequel to Okami and the founding of his new studio, Clovers Inc. This marks a significant milestone as Kamiya steps away from PlatinumGames after a 20-year tenure. Dive into the details of this exciting new chapter in his career, the revival of the Okami franchise, and the vision behind Clovers Inc.

Okami Sequel Helmed By Kamiya Himself

Fulfilling A Long-Standing Ambition

Hideki Kamiya, celebrated for directing iconic games like Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, has long harbored a desire to expand on the narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe. In an interview with VGC, he expressed his frustration at not being able to secure a sequel from Capcom, despite his direct requests. "The director himself is asking to make the game again, but they won’t even talk about it!" he humorously remarked in a YouTube video with fellow director Ikumi Nakamura.

Now, with Clovers Inc. and a renewed partnership with Capcom as publisher, Kamiya's vision for an Okami sequel is finally coming to life.

New Sequel With New Studio, Clovers Inc.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc., Kamiya's new venture, draws its name from Clover Studio, the original developer of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, as well as his early days at Capcom working on Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. Reflecting on Clover Studio's legacy, Kamiya shared with VGC, "It was a company founded by former members of Capcom’s Division 4, built on the creative philosophy that [co-founder, Resident Evil creator] Mr. Mikami valued deeply. I’m still proud to have been part of that team."

Clovers Inc. is a collaborative effort with Kento Koyama, a former colleague from PlatinumGames. After leaving PlatinumGames in October 2023, Kamiya was unsure of his next move until Koyama proposed starting a new company. Koyama now serves as president, managing the business side, while Kamiya focuses on game development. "I’m a game developer, and my skill is making games. I can’t run a company," Kamiya admitted, praising Koyama's management skills.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc. currently employs 25 staff members across Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion as they ramp up production for the Okami sequel. Kamiya emphasizes the importance of a shared creative vision over sheer numbers. "For me, the most important thing isn’t building a huge company with lots of people—it’s ensuring that everyone shares the same mindset," he stated. Many of the team members are former PlatinumGames employees who share Kamiya and Koyama's passion for game development.

On His Exit From PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, where he co-founded and served as vice president, surprised many. He hinted at internal changes that conflicted with his game development philosophy. "If I was satisfied at Platinum, then I wouldn’t have left," he explained. The shared vision with Koyama for Clovers Inc. and the new Okami project fueled his enthusiasm. "Of course, the end goal of that is to make games, but just bringing people together and starting this company from nothing is also what’s really exciting for me."

Kamiya Apologizes For Snappy Remark To Fan

Kamiya, known for his sharp wit and sometimes abrasive social media interactions, recently showed a softer side. On December 16th, he posted an apology on X (formerly Twitter) after recognizing a fan he had previously insulted. "She asked me a question. But in response, I was rudely shouting insults at her, and now I want to snap my own neck off…" he confessed. Alongside a video of the fan's emotional reaction to the Okami sequel announcement, he added, "I like this person…and I’m sorry about what happened before…"

While still maintaining his candid nature, Kamiya is responding to fans' requests to unblock them and is engaging positively with fan art and cosplays related to the sequel.