Okami Sequel Confirmed in Development on RE Engine by Hideki Kamiya

Ōkami Sequel Still in Development as Original Hits 20th Anniversary

Ōkami launched April 20, 2006, and now marks its 20th anniversary with director Hideki Kamiya confirming the sequel remains in steady development. Unlike the original's PS2-exclusive gamble, Capcom is backing this project with the RE Engine—the same tech powering Resident Evil and Monster Hunter.

The series has sold 4.6 million units as of March 2025, modest by AAA standards but backed by industry-leading critical acclaim. When the sequel was announced at The Game Awards 2024, Kamiya's promise to "pour blood, sweat, and tears" into it wasn't ceremonial—Clovers is leading development with M-TWO and other studios collaborating, a far stronger lineup than the original team. After Clover Studio dissolved and the IP sat dormant for over a decade, this marks the first proper sequel.

RE Engine's involvement signals Capcom won't let Ōkami stay niche. The engine has delivered next-gen visuals for Resident Evil; applying it to sumi-e aesthetics is uncharted territory. Kamiya insists the sequel will preserve the original's art style and core mechanics, but the technical foundation upgrade means room for improved visual fidelity and interaction depth.

Compare this to peers: Ori used Unity for painterly visuals, Hollow Knight built its reputation through indie grit. Ōkami's sequel has Capcom's resources and RE Engine backing—a clear advantage. The question is whether 2025 audiences will pay for brush-stroke aesthetics. The original's 4.6 million sales prove there's a base, but breaking into mainstream depends on execution. Kamiya's commitment is on record; now it's on RE Engine to bring that white wolf back.