Hideki Kamiya, after a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching his own studio, Clovers Inc., and helming a highly anticipated Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of this exciting new project and Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.
A Long-Awaited Sequel
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 realized his long-held ambition: a sequel to Okami. In a recent interview with VGC, Kamiya revealed the story behind Clovers Inc., the resurrection of the Okami IP after 18 years, and his reasons for leaving PlatinumGames. He's consistently expressed his desire to complete the unfinished narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, even publicly joking about his unsuccessful attempts to convince Capcom to greenlight a sequel. Now, with his own studio and Capcom as publisher, his vision is becoming a reality.
Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Kamiya's new studio, Clovers Inc., pays homage to Clover Studio, the developer behind Okami and Viewtiful Joe, and also acknowledges his early Capcom team responsible for Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry. The studio is a joint venture with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, who serves as president, allowing Kamiya to focus on game development. Currently employing 25 people across Tokyo and Osaka, Clovers Inc. plans for measured growth, prioritizing shared creative vision over sheer size. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who share Kamiya and Koyama's creative philosophy.
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Departure from PlatinumGames
Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led creatively for two decades, surprised many. He attributes his decision to internal changes that conflicted with his game development philosophy. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he emphasizes the shared creative vision he and Koyama possess as the driving force behind Clovers Inc. Despite the circumstances, he expresses immense excitement for the Okami sequel and the journey of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.
A Softer Side?
Kamiya's known for his sometimes blunt social media interactions. However, he recently issued a public apology to a fan he previously insulted, demonstrating a shift towards greater empathy and engagement with his fanbase. He's been actively responding to fans, unblocking users, and sharing positive fan reactions to the Okami sequel announcement. While his characteristic directness remains, a more approachable side seems to be emerging.
