Hideki Kamiya, after a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, embarks on a new chapter, launching his own studio, Clovers Inc., and spearheading 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

Renowned game director Hideki Kamiya, celebrated for his work on 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 discussed his new studio, the revival of the eighteen-year-old IP, and his reasons for leaving PlatinumGames. He openly admitted his desire to complete the narratives of Okami and Viewtiful Joe, feeling a responsibility to resolve unfinished storylines. His previous attempts to secure a sequel at Capcom proved unsuccessful, a situation he humorously recounted in a YouTube video with Ikumi Nakamura. Now, with Clovers Inc. 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 teams 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. Clovers Inc. currently employs 25 people, strategically located in Tokyo and Osaka, with 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 share this vision.

Image from Clovers Inc. official website

Departure from PlatinumGames

Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded and led creatively for twenty years, surprised many. He attributes his decision to internal changes that conflicted with his game development philosophy. While he remains tight-lipped about specifics, he confirms that dissatisfaction with these changes prompted his move. Despite the circumstances, he expresses immense enthusiasm for the Okami sequel, highlighting the excitement of building Clovers Inc. from the ground up.

A Softer Side?

Kamiya's known for his blunt, often humorous, social media interactions. He recently apologized to a fan he previously insulted, demonstrating a surprising display of remorse and a shift towards more positive engagement with fans. He's been seen reposting fan art, responding to requests to be unblocked, and generally showing more appreciation for his fanbase. However, his characteristic directness remains.