“Hideki Kamiya Shares Emotional Moment with Fans Following Okami Sequel Announcement”
By The sequel to Okami will be a continuation of Amaterasu’s narrative, developed using Capcom’s RE Engine, as has been confirmed.
In a discussion with IGN, director Hideki Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works studio leader Kiyohiko Sakata talked about the upcoming sequel first unveiled during last year’s The Game Awards.
Hirabayashi acknowledged that Capcom had “always aimed to develop an Okami sequel” because the intellectual property was “something that we all treasure and wanted to see continued”. With Kamiya parting ways with PlatinumGames in 2023, now was the opportune moment to discuss a sequel.
Kamiya has always desired to create a sequel. “Reflecting on nearly 19 years ago when I first developed the game, it’s important to remember that the narrative itself isn’t truly finished, and I’ve always wanted to see this game completed,” he shared. “However, while I was at Platinum, I couldn’t pursue that. Yet even back then, I would often meet with my friends, particularly with Takeuchi, and we’d go out for drinks. We always casually discussed the hope of one day being able to achieve it. Then I eventually left Platinum. Now as a creator, I can finally make this dream a reality alongside Takeuchi.”
In a video with Ikumi Nakamura last year, Kamiya pointed out that Okami was a “significant failure” in commercial terms, although he confessed “for those of us who created it, it became something we could take pride in.” So, why pursue a sequel now?
Hirabayashi noted that there are “millions of fans out there that we are well aware of,” given the sales of the game have had a genuine resurgence over time with various re-releases.
Kamiya elaborated further: “Initially for Clover, we probably recognized that from a development angle it might not find an audience in as broad a market as we envisioned. Nevertheless, throughout the years, we released enhanced versions that people enjoyed. Since then, we’ve received numerous messages on social media from people expressing their love for the game, and we’re realizing that many are fond of Ōkami.
“Now with the announcement at TGA, being present live during the audience reaction, and not only that, but also observing responses on social media afterward, it’s clear that many people are looking forward to this title. I was truly surprised and more delighted than I expected to see how eagerly people anticipate this game.
“Even now, I watch the YouTube reactions to the announcements, and seeing people’s responses to the video moves me to tears alongside the fans. I’m just so thrilled to witness such joy as they await this game to become a reality.”
He added that the enthusiasm from fans motivated him. “With everyone cheering us on and our eagerness to create, it paved the way for the realization of this project. Without everyone’s encouragement and support, we would not have progressed. So, thank you all so much.”
What can we expect from the sequel? Hirabayashi confirmed that Amaterasu is featured in the teaser trailer, and the game will extend the narrative from the original.
Kamiya added: “I do have a broad vision of a core theme and narrative concept in mind. It has been developing in my thoughts for several years, and I genuinely want to get my hands on it and bring it to the fans. I have a clear vision of how I wish this game to unfold.”
The duo also confirmed it is being developed…