Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs Continues: Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge
Capcom has confirmed its ongoing commitment to resurrecting classic intellectual properties (IPs), with the Okami and Onimusha franchises spearheading this initiative. This article delves into Capcom's strategy and explores potential candidates for future revivals.
Okami and Onimusha: A Resurgence of Beloved Franchises
In a December 13th press release announcing new entries in the Onimusha and Okami series, Capcom explicitly stated its intention to continue leveraging its extensive library of dormant IPs. The upcoming Onimusha title, set in Edo-period Kyoto, is slated for a 2026 release. A new Okami sequel is also in development, helmed by the original game's director and development team, though a release date remains undisclosed.
Capcom emphasized its strategy of reactivating underutilized IPs to generate high-quality content and boost corporate value. This commitment extends beyond Okami and Onimusha, with projects like Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2 scheduled for 2025. This renewed focus on classic IPs doesn't preclude the development of entirely new titles, as evidenced by recent releases such as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal.
Capcom's "Super Elections": A Glimpse into the Future?
Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections," a fan poll to gauge interest in various sequels and remakes, offers valuable insight into potential future projects. The results highlighted strong demand for titles like Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, Onimusha, and Breath of Fire.
The Dino Crisis and Darkstalkers franchises have been largely inactive for decades, with their last installments released in 1997 and 2003, respectively. While Breath of Fire 6 launched in 2016, its online-only nature and short lifespan (shutting down in 2017) left many fans wanting more. The significant player interest in these series, alongside the already-announced Onimusha and Okami revivals, suggests a strong possibility of future announcements. While Capcom remains discreet about its immediate plans, the "Super Elections" data undoubtedly informs its decisions regarding IP reactivation.
