Kamiya's 18-Year Dream, Okami 2, Realized

Hideki Kamiya is making a major comeback in the gaming world with a new Okami sequel and a fresh studio, following the end of his two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames. Learn more about the highly anticipated project and his new venture, Clovers Inc.

Okami Sequel Led by Kamiya

Realizing a Long-Held Vision

The legendary former Capcom director, Hideki Kamiya, has revealed his return to game development with a sequel to Okami, to be produced by his newly established studio. In an exclusive interview with VGC, he shared details about Clovers Inc., the revival of the 18-year-old Okami franchise, and his reasons for departing PlatinumGames.

Kamiya is renowned for directing iconic titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe. He has consistently expressed a strong desire to create sequels for Okami and Viewtiful Joe, feeling their stories were left unfinished. In a YouTube discussion with fellow director Ikumi Nakamura (who also contributed to Okami), he revealed he had repeatedly petitioned Capcom for sequels without success. "Even the director is asking to make the game again, but they won’t even discuss it!" he joked.

Now, his enduring ambition for the Okami series is finally coming to fruition, supported by his new studio and a publishing partnership with his former employer, Capcom.

A New Sequel from a New Studio: Clovers Inc.

Kamiya's new venture is named Clovers Inc., a tribute to the original Clover Studio that developed Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and a nod to his first Capcom team that worked on Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. Clover Studio remains a cherished milestone in his career. "It was a company founded by former members of Capcom’s Division 4, built on the creative philosophy that co-founder Shinji Mikami deeply valued. I’m still proud to have been part of that team. Though Clover Studio dissolved years ago, the creative principles we upheld remain just as important to me today," he told VGC.

Clovers Inc. is a joint venture between Kamiya and his former PlatinumGames colleague, Kento Koyama. After leaving PlatinumGames in October 2023, Kamiya was uncertain about his next move until Koyama persuaded him to launch a new company and project. Currently, Koyama serves as president, handling most management duties, while Kamiya focuses on game development. "I’m a game developer; my expertise is making games, not running a company," Kamiya stated, acknowledging Koyama's skill in managing finances and personnel. "I knew from experience that he could do it."

The fledgling Okami 2 studio currently employs 25 people across Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion as full-scale production begins. For Kamiya, however, success is about mindset, not size.

"The most important thing for me isn't building a massive company with hundreds of employees—it's ensuring everyone shares the same vision. I want to collaborate with true creatives who are passionate about crafting exceptional games with a strong core," he emphasized. Several team members are former PlatinumGames employees who have previously worked with Kamiya or Koyama and share this philosophy, choosing to join the new endeavor.

Reflecting on His Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's exit from PlatinumGames—a company he co-founded and led for twenty years as its creative head, vice president, and public face—surprised many. He hinted at internal changes that conflicted with his personal philosophy on game creation.

"If I had been satisfied at Platinum, I wouldn't have left. I have a specific philosophy and mindset about how games should be made. Koyama approached me, and we discovered we shared that same vision for development," he explained.

Despite any behind-the-scenes tensions, Kamiya is enthusiastic about the new Okami project. Building the company from the ground up with Koyama and seeing their efforts take shape has been incredibly motivating. "Our ultimate goal is, of course, to make games, but the process of bringing people together and starting this company from nothing is also truly exciting for me."

Kamiya Extends an Apology to a Fan

Beyond his acclaimed directorial work, Kamiya is also known on social media for his sharp, often humorous responses to fans and his notably short patience. He has gained notoriety for calling people "insects" and blocking users over what he deems "stupid questions." While some find this behaviour hilarious, others are less amused. Recently, however, he showed a softer side by publicly apologizing to a fan he had previously insulted.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post on December 16th at 2 AM EST, Kamiya mentioned he was moved by the overwhelmingly positive reactions to the Okami sequel announcement. He came across a video of a fan who was visibly emotional and overjoyed, only to realize he recognized her. Upon checking his interaction history, he discovered he had previously responded to her with harsh insults. "She asked me a question, and I rudely shouted insults back. Now I want to snap my own neck off…" he wrote. In a follow-up post featuring the fan's video, he added, "I like this person… and I'm sorry about what happened before…"

He has also begun responding to requests to unblock users and has been sharing heartfelt fan reaction videos and artwork, complimenting cosplays and fan-made creations. That said, he hasn't completely changed his ways—he still doesn't hesitate to call out those who persistently annoy him.