Hideki Kamiya, after a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching Clovers Inc. and helming the long-awaited Okami sequel. This article delves into the details of the upcoming title, Kamiya's new studio, 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 long expressed his desire to complete the narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, feeling a responsibility to resolve their unfinished storylines. His attempts to convince Capcom to greenlight a sequel previously proved unsuccessful, but his persistence has ultimately paid off.
Clovers Inc.: A New Studio, A New Beginning
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Clovers Inc., a name echoing both Clover Studio (the developer of the original Okami and Viewtiful Joe) and Kamiya's early Capcom team (behind Resident Evil 2 and Devil May Cry), is a joint venture between Kamiya and former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama. Following Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames in October 2023, Koyama convinced him to establish the new studio. Koyama serves as president, handling business operations, while Kamiya focuses on game development. The studio currently employs 25 people, with offices in Tokyo and Osaka, and plans for gradual expansion. Kamiya emphasizes that the studio's success hinges not on size, but on a shared creative vision and passion. 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 conflicted with his game development philosophy. While he doesn't elaborate on specifics, he confirms a divergence in vision as the driving force behind his departure. Despite this, he expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.
A Public Apology
Beyond his creative achievements, Kamiya is known for his sometimes blunt and controversial social media interactions. He recently issued a public apology to a fan he had previously insulted, demonstrating a shift towards greater empathy and engagement with his fanbase. He's been actively responding to fans, unblocking previously blocked accounts, and sharing positive fan reactions to the Okami 2 announcement. However, his characteristic forthrightness remains.
