Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs Continues: Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge
Capcom has confirmed its ongoing commitment to reviving classic intellectual properties (IPs), with the Okami and Onimusha franchises spearheading this initiative. This article delves into Capcom's plans and speculates on which beloved series might be next in line for a comeback.
Capcom's Strategy: Unearthing Dormant Gems
In a December 13th press release announcing new installments in the Onimusha and Okami series, Capcom explicitly stated its intention to continue leveraging its extensive catalog of dormant IPs. The upcoming Onimusha title, set in Edo-period Kyoto, is slated for a 2026 release. A new Okami sequel is also in development, helmed by the original game's director and team, though its release date remains undisclosed.
Capcom's statement emphasized a focus on reactivating IPs lacking recent releases, aiming to generate high-quality content and boost corporate value. This strategy complements ongoing projects like Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both anticipated in 2025, demonstrating a multifaceted approach to game development. Recent releases like Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal further highlight Capcom's diverse development pipeline.
Fan Favorites and Future Titles: Clues from the "Super Elections"
Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections," a fan vote for desired sequels and remakes, offers valuable insight into potential future projects. The results revealed significant demand for titles such as Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, Onimusha, and Breath of Fire.
Dino Crisis and Darkstalkers, with their last installments released in 1997 and 2003 respectively, have been largely absent for decades. While Breath of Fire 6 (an online RPG) launched in 2016, its closure in 2017 left a significant gap. The prolonged dormancy of these franchises suggests they are ripe for a revival, whether through remasters or sequels.
Although Capcom remains discreet about its future plans, the "Super Elections" results, which included Onimusha and Okami, provide strong indications of which dormant IPs are most likely to see a resurgence.
