One of the biggest surprises at this year's Game Awards show was the announcement of an Okami Sequel.
In development at Hideki Kamiya's new independent studio, Clovers, little is currently known about the project, save for the teaser trailer used to make the announcement.
Speaking in an interview with Denfaminicogamer (via Automaton), Kamiya has shed a bit of light on the studio's approach to making games now and in the future.
In particular, he speaks about the importance of maintaining independence, and keeping outside influences to a minimum. "In order to focus on making the kind of unique and creative games that we are aiming for, we need to make sure that our investors cannot easily interfere in the company," Kamiya says.
To this end, investors will supply funds on a per project basis, meaning they'll help finance individual games rather than the overall studio itself.
Kamiya also highlights the scope of game he's aiming for with Clovers, which is targeting an employee headcount of around 70. "Personally, I am not interested in making the kind of huge games that people generally refer to as AAA titles," he says.
"Of course, such games are important, but I personally like to play games that show the creators’ individuality. (…) As a creator, I think it is fun to make such games," Kamiya continues.
So, it sounds like the plan is to keep the scale somewhat small with a tight focus and minimal messing from external sources. Sounds good to us.
The Okami sequel is probably going to take some time to appear, but we're excited to see this come back — as is Kamiya, who says working with Capcom on the IP again is "a joy that cannot be described in words".
Are you looking forward to seeing what Clovers cooks up? Discuss in the comments section below.
[source news.denfaminicogamer.jp, via automaton-media.com]
Comments 12
He says that until someone comes along with a bigger paycheck than he could've imagined.
@UltimateOtaku91 That's a strangely cynical comment about someone like Kamiya, who has always valued his creative freedom.
Okami is a game that thrived on creativity, this is the best approach for the sequel, I can’t wait to see what Kamiya and the team achieve!
"Personally, I am not interested in making the kind of huge games that people generally refer to as AAA titles,"
That's the right decision especially when you just started your own studio. The first project should be quite low risk but still push the devs creativity to maximum.
But i wonder how many Platinum devs who joined Kamiya studio. I've read that MGRising, Astral Chain, and Anarchy Reigns director left the company. Maybe one of them joined Kamiya?
https://www.resetera.com/threads/is-platinumgames-dying-out-numerous-big-name-staff-is-leaving.1061319/
And Kamiya had an argument with Inaba about Platinum creative direction before decided to left the studio. Kinda ironic since Kamiya, Inaba, and Mikami left Capcom because they want more freedom and creativity. That's why they decided to found Platinum. But now Platinum lost two of their founders and a couple of talented directors.
@Ainu20 Well whilst he was at platinum they were partially known to making console exclusives and selling their IP.
@UltimateOtaku91 Doing console exclusives isn't antithetical to what he's saying here. The most important thing is that they retain creative independence and aren't constrained by corporate oversight. He also left that studio not too long after Tencent started sniffing around.
And that’s exactly how it should be. Just keeping things small and doing what you want. I can understand funding for things being necessary sometimes, but it shouldn’t interfere with anything. I’d rather enjoy something like this than most of these AAA games that just feel incredibly overrated.
Okami was, unknowingly at the time, the first Zelda-like game I ever played. And I ADORED it. I never went back and replayed it in fear of scuffing the rose tint on my glasses, but I still hold it in extremely high regard (even after playing plenty more Zelda-like titles).
I cannot WAIT to see how they update the game with modern gameplay elements and mechanics. I feel they could do some amazing stuff.
@UltimateOtaku91 Except Platinum never sold their IP's because they never owned the IP's they worked on.
@Ryoth Didn't they sell the Wonderful 101 and Astral Chain IP to Nintendo?
In terms of the Astral Chain IP "Inaba would confirm this change in an interview the very same month, stating Nintendo now have full ownership of the intellectual property, though they were not at liberty to disclose the specifics of the change."
Those specifics would most likely involve some financial exchange. Although I don't know if Kamiya was around when this happened.
I'm guessing this is why he left Platinum didn't like the direction it was going I know the CEO kept talking about wanting to do live service crap and Kamiya clearly wanted nothing to do with it. Love the name it really feels like the old studio is being reborn ^__^
Gotta give the man his respect. He's a genuine creator who loves video games. You can easily see it in his work. Its great to hear he wants to focus on AA and indie games as well. I'm wishing him and CLOVERS the absolute best. Hopefully more of the other platinum vets join him. And hopefully platinum will bounce back and still put out cool games in the future
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