Hideki Kamiya's Big Comeback: What's Next for Clovers Studio

Hideki Kamiya, the celebrated creator of "Okami," has announced the development of the long-awaited "Okami 2" under his new studio, Clovers, formed after his departure from PlatinumGames. This news comes after a non-compete period following his exit. Clovers currently consists of around 20 staff members across locations in Tokyo and Osaka, with future expansion plans set for 2025. Although focused on the "Okami" sequel, Kamiya and CEO Kento Koyama express intentions to create original IPs down the line. They aim to cultivate a creative environment emphasizing their four guiding principles, represented by the letter C: Challenge, Creativity, and Craftsmanship, with a fourth letter left to new employees to define. Kamiya’s vision is to maintain the independence of Clovers while pushing boundaries in video game design.

Fans can expect "Okami 2" to evolve the rich aesthetics and storytelling of its predecessor while introducing new gameplay mechanics and creative visions spearheaded by Kamiya and his team. Clovers aims to foster a creative ecosystem that encourages innovation, ensuring that both the sequel and future projects resonate with players seeking unique and immersive experiences.

"Okami," first released in 2006, is an action-adventure game celebrated for its stunning watercolor art style and incorporation of Japanese folklore. The game follows Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who takes the form of a white wolf to restore life to the world. It is highly regarded in the gaming community, and the announcement of a sequel has fans excited about the continuation of its beloved narrative and gameplay.