Ōkami Sequel in Production with RE Engine

Following the sequel announcement at The Game Awards, speculation immediately arose regarding the engine powering the new Ōkami. IGN exclusively confirms, based on interviews with key project leads, that Capcom's RE Engine will be used.

In an extensive interview, Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata confirmed RE Engine's role. He described Machine Head Works' function as bridging the gap between Capcom (IP holder and director of the game's overall vision) and Clover (lead developer). Their experience working with Capcom and director Hideki Kamiya, coupled with their familiarity with RE Engine (an area where Clover lacks experience), makes them uniquely suited to this role. Furthermore, Machine Head Works has personnel with experience on the original Ōkami, providing additional expertise.

When asked about the appeal of RE Engine and its benefits for an Ōkami sequel, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi simply stated, "Yes," elaborating that Capcom believes Kamiya's artistic vision couldn't be realized without it. Kamiya himself added that RE Engine's renowned expressive capabilities are anticipated by fans.

Sakata further hinted that RE Engine might allow the team to realize aspects of the original Ōkami's vision that were previously unattainable due to technological limitations. He stated that current technology, particularly with RE Engine, allows them to achieve, and potentially surpass, their original goals.

RE Engine, initially developed for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, has powered many of Capcom's major titles, including the Resident Evil series, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter, and Dragon's Dogma. While most RE Engine games feature a realistic art style, the prospect of its application to Ōkami's distinctive aesthetic is intriguing. Capcom's development of a successor engine, REX, with gradual integration into RE Engine, suggests the Ōkami sequel may incorporate elements of both.

A full Q&A with the Ōkami sequel's leads is available for further details.