Hideki Kamiya's New Okami Sequel and Clovers Inc.

After a 20-year tenure at PlatinumGames, Hideki Kamiya, renowned game director, embarks on a new chapter, launching his own studio, Clovers Inc., and spearheading a long-awaited Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of this exciting new project and Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.

A Realization of a Long-Held Dream

Kamiya, celebrated for directing iconic titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, has openly expressed his desire for Okami (and Viewtiful Joe) sequels. He felt their narratives were unfinished, leaving loose ends he felt obligated to resolve. He even humorously recounted on YouTube, alongside Ikumi Nakamura (a fellow Okami collaborator), his unsuccessful attempts to convince Capcom to greenlight a sequel. His persistent efforts have finally borne fruit, with Capcom publishing this new installment developed by his newly formed studio.

Clovers Inc.: A New Studio, A New Beginning

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Kamiya's new venture, Clovers Inc., draws inspiration from Clover Studio (the developer of Okami and Viewtiful Joe) and his early Capcom team (responsible for Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry). The name reflects his deep connection to these formative experiences. He emphasizes the enduring relevance of the creative principles fostered at Clover Studio.

Clovers Inc. is a collaborative effort between Kamiya and Kento Koyama, a former PlatinumGames colleague. Koyama, the studio's president, handles management, allowing Kamiya to focus on game development. Their team currently comprises 25 employees, based in Tokyo and Osaka, with plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya stresses that team cohesion and shared creative vision are paramount, not sheer size. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who share Kamiya and Koyama's creative philosophy.

Departure from PlatinumGames

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

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 doesn't elaborate on specifics, he underscores the importance of aligning with a shared creative vision.

A Softer Side?

Known for his blunt, often humorous, social media interactions, Kamiya recently issued a public apology to a fan he had previously insulted, demonstrating a shift towards greater empathy. He's actively engaging with fans, reposting positive reactions to the Okami sequel announcement and acknowledging fan art. However, his characteristic directness remains.