Ōkami 2 — Capcom, Hideki Kamiya, and Machine Head Discuss Hotly Anticipated Sequel in Exclusive Interview

Twenty years after the original Ōkami captivated players, Amaterasu, the sun goddess and source of all goodness, makes a stunning return in an unexpected sequel. Revealed at last year's Game Awards, this highly anticipated project is spearheaded by Hideki Kamiya, who, having recently left PlatinumGames, established his own studio, Clovers, to helm the project. Capcom, the IP owner, acts as publisher, with support from Machine Head Works, a studio composed of Capcom veterans. This collaboration brings together seasoned developers from the original Ōkami with fresh talent, promising a truly exceptional team.

While initial details were scarce, IGN secured an exclusive interview with Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. The two-hour discussion covered the sequel's development, the studio partnerships, and the teams' individual journeys.

The interview revealed key insights:

• Kamiya's Vision: Kamiya emphasized the importance of individual creator personality in shaping the player experience, explaining his departure from PlatinumGames stemmed from a divergence in creative direction. He aims to create unique, unforgettable gaming experiences at Clovers. While he avoids defining a "Kamiya game," he strives for originality in gameplay and player engagement. The studio name, Clovers, is a nod to his time at Clover Studio, with the "C" representing creativity.

• The Ōkami Sequel's Genesis: Capcom's long-held desire to create an Ōkami sequel, fueled by the game's enduring popularity and a dedicated fanbase, finally materialized with Kamiya's availability. The project's inception involved casual conversations between Kamiya and Capcom producer Jun Takeuchi, culminating in a formal collaboration after Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames.

• Machine Head Works' Role: Machine Head Works, a relatively new studio with deep Capcom roots and experience with the RE Engine, acts as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, providing technical expertise and leveraging its familiarity with both parties. The team includes veterans from the original Ōkami.

• RE Engine's Significance: The decision to utilize the RE Engine was driven by its ability to realize Kamiya's artistic vision, enabling features previously unattainable.

• The Sequel's Narrative: The sequel directly continues the story of the original Ōkami, featuring Amaterasu as the protagonist. While specific plot details remain under wraps, Kamiya mentioned a long-developed overarching theme and story direction. Ōkamiden's impact on the sequel's narrative was addressed, with the developers acknowledging fan feedback and confirming the sequel's focus on a continuation of the original Ōkami's storyline.

• Gameplay and Controls: The developers acknowledged the need to balance nostalgia for the original's controls with modern gaming expectations. They aim to refine and update the control scheme while preserving the core Ōkami experience.

• Early Announcement: The early announcement at the Game Awards was a deliberate decision to express excitement and solidify the project's commitment.

• Future Aspirations: The interview concluded with individual perspectives on future success, focusing on creating a game that surpasses expectations, fulfills the team's creative vision, and resonates with players of all levels. The long-term goals for Clovers and Machine Head Works center on sustained game development and fostering collaborative environments.

The interview concluded with personal reflections on current inspirations, including Takarazuka stage shows (Kamiya), Gekidan Shiki theatre (Sakata), and the Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie (Hirabayashi). The developers expressed their commitment to delivering a sequel that honors the original while pushing boundaries, promising a truly remarkable gaming experience.