Hideki Kamiya, renowned game director behind classics like Okami, Devil May Cry, and Bayonetta, embarks on a new chapter. After a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, he's launched Clovers Inc., a new studio dedicated to fulfilling a long-held dream: an Okami sequel.
A Sequel 18 Years in the Making
Kamiya's passion for Okami is well-documented. He's publicly expressed his desire to complete the game's unfinished narrative for years, even jokingly recounting his unsuccessful pleas to Capcom for a sequel. Now, with Clovers Inc. and Capcom as publisher, that ambition is finally realized.
Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
The name "Clovers Inc." pays homage to both Clover Studio, the original developer of Okami, and Kamiya's early Capcom team. A joint venture with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, the studio currently boasts 25 employees, prioritizing a shared creative vision over sheer size. Koyama manages the business side, allowing Kamiya to focus on game development.
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Departure from PlatinumGames
Kamiya's exit from PlatinumGames, where he served as a co-founder and creative leader, surprised many. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he alludes to differing philosophies on game development as the catalyst for his departure. However, the excitement surrounding the Okami sequel clearly outweighs any past tensions.
A Softer Side?
Kamiya's outspoken and sometimes abrasive online persona is well-known. Recently, however, he's shown a more empathetic side, apologizing to a fan he previously insulted and engaging more positively with the community. While his characteristic bluntness remains, a shift towards greater warmth is evident.