Okami 2 in Development Using RE Engine

Ever since The Game Awards revealed plans for a sequel to the beloved Ōkami, fans have been buzzing with theories. Many speculated that Capcom's return as publisher meant the game would harness their powerful RE Engine - and we can now confirm those rumors are true after speaking with key developers.

The Dream Team Behind the Revival

In an exclusive deep-dive interview with IGN, Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata explained their unique role in this three-way collaboration: "Think of us as the bridge between Capcom and Clovers Studio. We bring our experience working with both teams, including past collaborations with Kamiya-san himself."

The most exciting revelation? Sakata confirmed his team's vital experience with RE Engine - a crucial advantage since Clovers' developers are new to the technology. "It's not just about engine familiarity," he added. "We've got veterans who worked on the original Ōkami joining us too."

Why RE Engine Matters

When pressed about the engine choice, Capcom's Yoshiaki Hirabayashi responded with refreshing honesty: "Simply put, Kamiya-san's artistic vision for this sequel couldn't be realized without RE Engine." The legendary director himself chimed in, praising RE Engine's renowned visual fidelity: "Fans now expect that signature RE Engine polish - and we intend to deliver."

Sakata teased even greater possibilities: "With today's tech, we can finally achieve things we only dreamed of during the original's development. The RE Engine opens doors to creative possibilities beyond what was possible before."

The Future of Celestial Brushes

RE Engine, most famous for powering photorealistic titles like Resident Evil and Monster Hunter, presents fascinating opportunities for Ōkami's distinctive sumi-e aesthetic. While Capcom is already developing its next-generation REX Engine, elements of this new technology may find their way into the Ōkami sequel during development.

For the full breakdown of what the developers revealed about gameplay innovations, timeline expectations, and how they're preserving the original's magic while embracing new technology, check out our complete interview with the creative leads.