Ōkami 2 Is Being Made in RE Engine, Confirmed

Following the announcement of an Ōkami sequel at The Game Awards, speculation immediately arose regarding its game engine. IGN exclusively confirms that the game will indeed utilize Capcom's RE Engine, based on interviews with key project leads.

Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata confirmed the engine's use, explaining their role as a bridge between Capcom (IP holder and director of the game's overall vision) and Clover (development lead). Machine Head Works' experience with Capcom and the RE Engine, as well as their prior work with director Hideki Kamiya and the original Ōkami, makes them uniquely suited to facilitate development. They are providing crucial support to Clover, who lack prior experience with the RE Engine.

Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi succinctly stated that the RE Engine was essential to realizing Kamiya's artistic vision for the sequel. Kamiya himself added that the RE Engine's renowned expressive capabilities are expected by fans and crucial to achieving the desired quality.

Sakata further hinted that the RE Engine will allow the team to achieve goals unattainable with the technology available during the original Ōkami's development, potentially surpassing even their initial aspirations.

RE Engine, originally developed for Resident Evil 7, has powered many of Capcom's major titles, known for their generally realistic art styles. The application of this engine to Ōkami's distinct artistic style is particularly intriguing. While Capcom is developing a successor engine (REX), some of its technology may be integrated into the RE Engine used for the Ōkami sequel.

A full Q&A with the Ōkami sequel's leads is available for further details.