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 surprising return in a highly anticipated sequel. Revealed at The Game Awards, this new adventure is spearheaded by Hideki Kamiya, founder of Clovers studio, with Capcom publishing and Machine Head Works, a studio comprised of Capcom veterans, providing support. The development team boasts a blend of seasoned Ōkami developers and fresh talent, promising a continuation of the original vision.

While details remain scarce, IGN secured an exclusive interview with Kamiya, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, and Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata in Osaka, Japan. This insightful discussion sheds light on the sequel's origins and the collaborative spirit driving its creation.

The interview reveals Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames stemmed from a desire to create games reflecting his unique creative vision. He emphasizes the importance of developer personality in shaping the player experience. His new studio, Clovers, aims to foster a creative environment conducive to this vision. The name Clovers is a nod to his time at Clover Studio, a Capcom division, and reflects the studio's commitment to creativity.

Hirabayashi explains Capcom's long-held desire to develop an Ōkami sequel, fueled by the enduring popularity of the original title and a belief in its untapped potential. Kamiya confirms his own long-standing ambition to continue Amaterasu's story, finally realized after leaving PlatinumGames. Sakata highlights Machine Head Works' role as a bridge between Clovers and Capcom, leveraging their experience with both entities and the RE Engine, crucial for realizing Kamiya's artistic vision.

The choice of the RE Engine is justified by its ability to deliver the high-quality visuals expected of an Ōkami sequel. The team acknowledges the original game's commercial performance but emphasizes the sustained popularity and passionate fanbase that have made a sequel possible. The Game Awards announcement served as a powerful statement of intent and a promise to the dedicated fanbase.

The interview touches on the team's pride in the original Ōkami, particularly its blend of captivating storytelling and stunning visuals inspired by Kamiya's love for nature. They discuss the challenges of updating the control scheme for a modern audience while retaining the essence of the original. The sequel is confirmed to be in its early stages of development, explaining the early announcement at the Game Awards—a decision driven by excitement and a desire to share the news with fans.

The developers acknowledge the anticipation surrounding the sequel and assure fans that quality will not be sacrificed for speed. They address the influence of various inspirations, including Takarazuka stage shows (Kamiya), Gekidan Shiki theatre (Sakata), and the Gundam GQuuuuuuX movie (Hirabayashi).

The interview concludes with a confirmation that the trailer depicts Amaterasu, a discussion of Ōkamiden's place in the narrative, and a vision of success defined by both critical acclaim and fan enjoyment. The developers express their gratitude to the fans and their commitment to delivering a sequel worthy of the original's legacy.