The Resurgence of Ōkami
Capcom’s recent announcement regarding a sequel to the acclaimed game Ōkami has taken many by surprise. The original game, despite its artistic brilliance and unique gameplay, is often remembered for its disappointing commercial performance upon launch in 2005. However, during a recent interview, Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi shed light on how the game’s longstanding reputation as a flop is no longer accurate.
Steady Sales Over Two Decades
According to Hirabayashi, while Ōkami did not sell well initially, its legacy has been preserved through multiple re-releases over the years. Remarkably, these various ports have contributed to a cumulative total of 4.6 million units sold globally. Hirabayashi noted, “Since its release, there’s been a steady stream of people enjoying the game, a trend that is quite unique and speaks volumes about its lasting appeal.” This ongoing interest in Ōkami has fueled Capcom’s desire to create a sequel.
Aligning the Stars for a Sequel
The idea of an Ōkami sequel has been on Capcom’s radar for years. However, Hirabayashi indicated that they had to wait for the right circumstances and talent to come together before moving forward. This included securing key personnel from the original team, such as Hideki Kamiya, the game’s director, who was previously occupied with PlatinumGames. “It took a bit of time for all the stars to align,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of having the right people on board to ensure the sequel lives up to fan expectations.
