Development Insights
Director Hideki Kamiya shed light on his creative process and addressed fan expectations for the long-awaited Okami sequel during a recent festival appearance.
Nearly 20 years after the original title launched, news emerged that a proper sequel is in development, led by original director Hideki Kamiya at his new studio, Clovers.
While specific details remain scarce, the team has been actively working on Amaterasu's next adventure over the past two years.
Balancing Accessibility
Kamiya is conscious of the high expectations surrounding the franchise but plans to design an experience appealing to both seasoned veterans and relative newcomers.
The director noted that the first chapter of Okami was crafted to provide a satisfying gaming experience for beginners, particularly through its command sequences for attacks.
Comparing it to projects like Bayonetta which targeted more experienced players, Kamiya emphasized that the new Okami chapter will pivot back toward welcoming inexperienced players.
Managing Hype
Given the substantial hype from hardcore fans, Kamiya encourages players to temper their expectations for the upcoming title.
He explained that while creating the original game involved no public expectations, working on sequels introduces considerable pressure from the audience.
Evolving Process
Reflecting on his career, Kamiya feels his core creative process has remained consistent over the last two decades.
Instead of a complete shift in process, years of experience have given him an intuitive sense to recognize potential mistakes before they happen.
Although further details about the project were not disclosed, the game aims to maintain accessibility for all types of gamers.
For more Okami sequel news, you can check out IGN’s interview from early 2025 when we flew to Japan to chat with Kamiya, Kiyohiko Sakata, and Yoshiaki Hirabayashi, who told us that the next Okami game is a direct continuation from the first and not a side-story like Okamiden was.
