A surprise sequel to Okami is in development, co-created by the original team and directed by Hideki Kamiya.

A surprise sequel to Okami is in development:

Capcom has officially announced a sequel to their beloved cult classic, Okami. Even more exciting, the project will be helmed by Hideki Kamiya, the director of the 2006 PS2 original. According to the game’s official website, the sequel is a joint development effort involving M2, which features several members of the original game’s production team, Machine Head Works, and CloverS, where Kamiya is currently employed.

The surprise reveal was cryptically teased by The Game Awards host Geoff Keighley, who remarked, “This game might not have seemed possible… but if you truly love video games like I do, this moment is for all of us.” The announcement was accompanied by a live orchestra performing Sunflower from the original Okami soundtrack, while the screen briefly displayed breathtaking visuals and the words “Okami Sequel.” A short teaser trailer followed, sending fans into a frenzy.

The original Okami, first released on the PlayStation 2 in 2006, remains a uniquely charming game. Set in a world inspired by Japanese mythology, players stepped into the role of Amaterasu, the white wolf embodying the Japanese Sun Goddess. Accompanied by the diminutive calligrapher Issun, the game followed their epic journey through a stunning, folklore-rich version of Japan to defeat the eight-headed serpent Orochi. Its standout gameplay mechanic featured the use of a Celestial Brush, allowing players to paint cherry blossoms on trees, create lily pads to cross rivers, and defeat enemies—all within the game’s lush, semi-open world. Over time, Okami became a beloved cult classic and received an HD remaster on modern platforms.

The PS2 original was highly ambitious, boasting painterly visuals, an expansive world, and a surprisingly lengthy narrative. With a sequel now in development, as hinted in the teaser, fans can expect the new installment to leverage modern technology to create an even richer and more immersive experience.

What’s especially exciting is the return of Hideki Kamiya as the director of the sequel. After stepping away from PlatinumGames, Kamiya’s involvement signals a strong commitment to preserving the unique charm of the original. CloverS, the studio where Kamiya is now based, has started recruiting for positions in its Tokyo and Osaka locations, likely to expand the development team for this highly anticipated title.