Hideki Kamiya's 18-Year Dream: Okami 2 and the Birth of Clovers Inc.
After a two-decade tenure at PlatinumGames, renowned game director Hideki Kamiya embarks on a new chapter, launching Clovers Inc. and reviving the beloved Okami franchise with a highly anticipated sequel. This article delves into Kamiya's journey, the creation of Clovers Inc., and his departure from PlatinumGames.
A Long-Awaited Return
Kamiya, celebrated for his work on titles like the original Okami, Devil May Cry, Resident Evil 2, Bayonetta, and Viewtiful Joe, has long expressed a desire to complete the stories of Okami and Viewtiful Joe. He openly shared his past attempts to secure a sequel from Capcom, highlighting the unfinished narratives as a driving force behind his ambition. Now, with Clovers Inc. and Capcom as publisher, his vision is finally becoming reality.
Clovers Inc.: A New Beginning
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Clovers Inc., a joint venture with former PlatinumGames colleague Kento Koyama, pays homage to both Clover Studio (the developer of the original Okami and Viewtiful Joe) and Kamiya's early Capcom teams. The studio's name reflects the significance of these past experiences. Koyama leads as president, allowing Kamiya to concentrate on game development, leveraging their complementary skills.
Currently employing 25 individuals across Tokyo and Osaka, Clovers Inc. plans measured growth, prioritizing a shared creative vision over sheer size. Many team members are former PlatinumGames employees who share Kamiya and Koyama's passion.
Image from Clovers Inc. official website
Departure from PlatinumGames
Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames, a company he co-founded, surprised many. While he remains tight-lipped about the specifics, he alludes to differing philosophies on game development as the underlying reason for his decision. The opportunity to collaborate with Koyama, who shares his creative vision, proved pivotal in establishing Clovers Inc.
A Softer Side?
Known for his candid, sometimes blunt, social media interactions, Kamiya recently issued a public apology to a fan he had previously offended. This gesture, coupled with his engagement with positive fan responses to the Okami 2 announcement, suggests a potential shift in his online persona. While still maintaining his characteristic directness, he seems more receptive to positive fan engagement.
The development of Okami 2 marks not only the fulfillment of a long-held dream for Kamiya but also the exciting launch of Clovers Inc., promising a fresh and passionate approach to game creation.
