Hideki Kamiya, after a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching his own studio, Clovers Inc., and helming the long-awaited Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of the upcoming title, his new venture, and his departure from PlatinumGames.

A Long-Held Aspiration Realized

Gaming legend Hideki Kamiya, renowned for directing iconic titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, has finally announced a sequel to Okami. His new studio, Clovers Inc., will produce the game, with Capcom serving as publisher. Kamiya has openly expressed his desire for sequels to Okami and Viewtiful Joe, citing unfinished narratives and a personal responsibility to conclude their storylines. He even humorously recounted his unsuccessful attempts to secure an Okami sequel from Capcom in a past YouTube video.

Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Clovers Inc., a name echoing both Clover Studio (the original developer of Okami and Viewtiful Joe) and Kamiya's early Capcom team (behind Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry), represents a significant step. The studio is a joint venture between Kamiya and former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama. Koyama, Clovers Inc.'s president, handles the business aspects, allowing Kamiya to focus on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes a shared creative vision over sheer size, prioritizing passionate individuals committed to high-quality game development. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who previously worked with Kamiya or Koyama.

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 clashed with his game development philosophy. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he confirms dissatisfaction with the internal direction. However, he expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.

A Softer Side?

Kamiya's known for his sometimes blunt online interactions with fans. Recently, however, he issued a public apology to a fan he previously insulted, demonstrating a shift towards greater empathy. He's also been seen unblocking fans and engaging more positively with fan creations. While his characteristic directness remains, a more conciliatory tone is emerging.