While it’s been almost two decades since Okami launched, Capcom has apparently always been thinking about a new entry in the franchise. That’s because the company sees the series as a “very, very unique IP” with a satisfied player base, per Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi. What was key was finding the right people and opportunity.
Speaking with IGN, Hirabayashi talked about the origins of Okami 2 alongside game director Hideki Kamiya, who founded the new studio Clovers. The surprise sequel was unveiled at The Game Awards in December. “But for Capcom, we were always looking for the opportunity to create new Okami,” said Hirabayashi. “Of course, for such a project, we needed various preparations to be able to make sure that this all comes true. We needed to have certain key people in place.”
Kamiya–who left Platinum Games in 2023–added that he “always wanted to create an Okami sequel.” The director pointed out “that the story itself isn’t really complete” in the original, so he’s had a desire to finish it.