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 upcoming game, his new studio, and his departure from PlatinumGames.
A Long-Held Dream Realized
Renowned game director Hideki Kamiya, known for titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta, has finally achieved a long-held ambition: creating an Okami sequel. In a VGC interview, he discussed Clovers Inc., the revival of the Okami IP after 18 years, and his reasons for leaving PlatinumGames. Kamiya has openly expressed his desire for sequels to Okami and Viewtiful Joe, feeling their narratives were unfinished. His attempts to convince Capcom to develop a sequel proved unsuccessful, leading to his independent pursuit. Now, with a new studio and Capcom as publisher, his vision is becoming reality.
Clovers Inc.: A New Studio, A New Beginning
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Kamiya's new venture, Clovers Inc., pays homage to Clover Studio, the developer of the original Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and his early Capcom team behind Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. The studio, a joint effort with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, currently employs 25 people across Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes a shared creative vision over sheer size, prioritizing passionate developers who align with his game development philosophy. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who followed Kamiya and Koyama, sharing their commitment to creating exceptional games.
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Departure from PlatinumGames
Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led creatively for 20 years, surprised many. He attributes his decision to internal changes that conflicted with his game development philosophy. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he affirms that his departure stemmed from a desire to pursue projects aligned with his creative vision. Despite the circumstances, he expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.
A Softer Side Emerges
Beyond his directorial prowess, Kamiya is known for his sometimes blunt online interactions with fans. Recently, however, he showed a more conciliatory side, apologizing to a fan he had previously insulted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing remorse for his past behavior. He's also been engaging more positively with fans, responding to requests, reposting fan art, and showing appreciation for their enthusiasm surrounding the Okami sequel announcement. While his characteristic directness remains, a shift towards greater empathy is evident.
