'It's Better if You Don't Have Many Expectations' — Hideki Kamiya Opens Up on Okami Sequel

Director Hideki Kamiya recently shared fresh insights into the highly anticipated Okami sequel, shedding light on his creative process, player accessibility, and how he manages massive fan expectations. Read on to discover what the legendary developer revealed at Lucca Comics and Games Festival 2026 about Amaterasu's next direct adventure.

When game director Hideki Kamiya took the stage at the Lucca Comics and Games Festival 2026, fans were eager to catch any small detail about what he has been working on behind closed doors. IGN had the rare opportunity to sit down with Kamiya to discuss his ongoing work, delving deep into the design philosophy shaping his latest project. The conversation offered fans a fascinating look into how one of the gaming industry's most visionary creators approaches a follow-up to a beloved classic.

For nearly two decades, the original game stood as an unmatched masterpiece of art style, world-building, and action-adventure gameplay. When fans received unexpected news in December 2024, the gaming community erupted with excitement. It was officially confirmed at The Game Awards 2024 that a proper sequel was being made, bringing back the celebrated director to helm the journey once again.

Now heading his team at his new studio, Clovers, Kamiya is collaborating with familiar faces to bring this dream project to reality. The development group consists of seasoned industry veterans and former Clover staff who share a deep history with the franchise. Together, they have spent the last two years actively building the next chapter in the storied universe of the sun goddess Amaterasu.

Although development details remain closely guarded, Kamiya provided thoughtful context regarding how he views the project today. He acknowledged the staggering weight of expectation that comes with reviving an iconic title after twenty years. At the same time, he reassured both longtime veterans and brand-new players that his design core remains focused on deliverable fun, visual elegance, and intuitive gameplay.

Hideki Kamiya Reveals New Details About the Okami Sequel

Creating a follow-up to a critically acclaimed masterpiece is never an easy task for any developer. The original title captured hearts worldwide thanks to its unique traditional ink-wash watercolor aesthetic, fluid combat, and memorable characters. Over the last twenty years, that appreciation has transformed into deep nostalgia, making the pressure surrounding the new Okami sequel exceptionally high.

Kamiya is fully conscious of the high bar set by the original release and the devotion of its player base. He understands that for many gamers, the original title holds a special, almost untouchable place in their memories. However, rather than letting that nostalgia overwhelm the production process, he relies on the foundational design values that made the first title such a resounding success in the first place.

When reflecting on his approach to game balance, Kamiya emphasized that he wants this new entry to be welcoming to absolutely everyone. Just as he designed the original title to be accessible to a wide variety of gamers, he is structuring the second chapter with the exact same welcoming mindset. He wants complete newcomers to step into this magical world without feeling intimidated by complex controls or overwhelming combat mechanics.

“I created the first chapter of Okami keeping in mind that what I wanted to do was create a gaming experience that would be satisfying to relative beginners,” Kamiya explained through a translator during the interview. He specifically referenced the intuitive sequence of commands for attacks used in the original design, which allowed players of all skill levels to feel powerful and expressive.

Comparing Accessibility Philosophy: From Bayonetta to Amaterasu

To highlight how his design methodology changes depending on the project, Kamiya drew an interesting comparison between his various gaming franchises. Different titles require different philosophies, and understanding the intended audience is key to delivering a memorable experience. He pointed out how his goals shifted dramatically when working on high-octane action games designed for hardcore audiences.

“When I created the plane sequences for Bayonetta — or even the game, itself — I had in mind players who were a little more experienced, obviously,” Kamiya stated. The fast-paced, high-skill requirements of that action title targeted players looking for extreme mechanical challenges, tight reaction times, and complex combo execution.

However, when returning to Amaterasu's world for this upcoming title, Kamiya is purposefully shifting his focus back toward broad accessibility and player comfort. He wants the game to serve as an inviting gateway rather than a mechanical wall, encouraging exploration and creativity over frantic button inputs.

“Now that I’m making a second chapter of Okami, I’m going back to think about the more inexperienced or relatively new players,” Kamiya shared during the festival. “I still want to make it enjoyable for them, too.” This balance ensures that while seasoned gamers will find plenty of depth, beginners will never feel left behind.

Managing High Public Expectations and the Hype Era

Navigating fan expectations is a major challenge when developing a game that players have requested for two decades. Over twenty years of discussion, fan art, and wish lists, the community's collective imagination has built up massive hopes for what a second chapter should look like. Managing that reality is something Kamiya takes very seriously as director.

Kamiya is certainly no stranger to launching original intellectual properties or stepping up to direct sequels for established, major franchises. Early in his career, he famously directed Resident Evil 2, taking on the massive task of building upon a groundbreaking survival horror classic. Yet, he notes that modern expectations feel entirely different than they did in earlier decades.

When launching a brand-new IP, a creator starts with a completely clean slate because the audience has no preexisting ideas about what the game should be. There are no comparisons to past entries, no established lore requirements, and no nostalgic memories to live up to. In contrast, returning to an iconic world twenty years later carries an implicit promise to honor what came before.

Addressing this dynamic directly, Kamiya shared an honest piece of advice for the gaming public regarding the upcoming title. “[The Okami sequel] has become a sort of mission for me, because before, when I created a new game, I had no expectation from the public, of course. It was something completely new and, in a sense, unexpected,” he reflected candidly.

“Now that I’ve created sequels, the expectation from the public has grown quite a lot, and I feel that,” Kamiya continued. With an engaging smile, he added a gentle request for patience and open-mindedness: “It’s better if you don’t have many expectations.” By urging players to temper their hype, he hopes gamers will experience the new journey with fresh eyes rather than a strict checklist of demands.

How 20 Years of Experience Shaped Kamiya's Creative Process

Given the long gap between the original title and today's development cycle, many gamers wonder if Kamiya's underlying methodology as a designer has changed over time. Game creation tools, graphics technology, and industry trends have evolved dramatically since the mid-2000s. However, when asked about his internal approach to crafting a game world, Kamiya noted that his fundamental philosophy remains remarkably consistent.

Rather than completely reinventing how he designs levels, structures encounters, or outlines narrative arcs, Kamiya relies on time-tested principles. He believes that strong game design is built on fundamental truths about player satisfaction, pacing, and visual feedback. For him, the core passion driving production today is identical to the passion he felt two decades ago.

“As far as I can see, nothing has changed,” Kamiya mused when reflecting on his personal growth and development pipeline over the decades. “The only thing I think is that, since I’ve made so many mistakes during my career, now, when I feel like I’m approaching a mistake, I can feel it beforehand. That’s the difference from then and now.”

This intuitive "sixth sense" allows him to spot potential game design flaws early in development long before they require costly overhauls. Having experienced the pitfalls of video game production across dozens of successful projects, he can recognize when a mechanic feels unrewarding, when pacing begins to drag, or when a puzzle lacks clarity. This foresight saves valuable time and keeps the development team focused on polished features.

By identifying potential design traps early, Kamiya and his team at Clovers can focus their energy on refining what works best. This heightened awareness ensures that every system built for the new chapter serves a clear purpose, enhancing player enjoyment while maintaining the poetic grace fans expect from Amaterasu's universe.

A Direct Continuation: What We Know About Amaterasu's Journey

It is important for fans to understand where this new title sits within the larger timeline of the franchise. Over the years, players have wondered whether any future title would be a spin-off, a complete reboot, or a proper follow-up. Fortunately, previous updates from the core development team have provided clear clarity on this critical question.

Earlier conversations highlighted in IGN’s interview from early 2025 featured Hideki Kamiya alongside key collaborators Kiyohiko Sakata and Yoshiaki Hirabayashi. During that trip to Japan, the development team confirmed that this project is a direct continuation of the story established in the original masterpiece.

This distinction is crucial for long-time followers of the series. Unlike Nintendo DS title Okamiden, which functioned primarily as a spiritual companion and side-story, this upcoming title picks up the narrative threads left behind by the original game. Fans will finally see the true next chapter of Amaterasu's journey unfolding naturally from the original ending.

Key Insights From Hideki Kamiya's Latest Interview

To help digest all the updates shared during the Lucca Comics and Games Festival 2026, here is a helpful summary of the primary takeaways surrounding the game's progress:

• Beginner-Friendly Combat: Just like the original title, the game is being crafted to offer satisfying, accessible gameplay for newcomers while maintaining tactical depth for experienced players.
• Direct Sequel Status: The new project is a true, direct continuation of the first story, rather than a side-project or spiritual spin-off.
• Experienced Development Team: Production is led by Clovers studio, which brings together original Clover staff alongside top industry veterans who have worked on the project for over two years.
• Enhanced Design Instincts: Kamiya's core creative process remains unchanged, but decades of experience give him a "sixth sense" to avoid game design mistakes early in production.
• Managing Expectations: Kamiya advises players to temper their expectations so they can judge and enjoy the final release on its own merit without heavy anticipation bias.

The Road Ahead for the Okami Sequel

While Hideki Kamiya could not reveal specific narrative details, location names, or exact release timelines during his panel, his comments offer immense reassurance to fans worldwide. Knowing that the original mastermind is leading a dedicated team of veterans ensures that the heart and soul of the franchise are in safe hands.

The commitment to creating an experience that bridges the gap between old fans and new players demonstrates a clear, thoughtful vision. By honoring the beginner-friendly accessibility of the original while leveraging twenty years of game design wisdom, Clovers is poised to craft something truly special. The team's focused approach promises to deliver an adventure that feels both comfortably nostalgic and excitingly fresh.

As development continues, fans can rest easy knowing that Amaterasu's next step is being crafted with patience, passion, and decades of mastery. While waiting for future gameplay reveals and news updates, keeping an open mind and enjoying the journey remains the best advice. The long-awaited Okami sequel is steadily taking shape, ready to welcome both veterans and modern gamers back into its legendary world.

from IGN India
-via DynaSage