Capcom revisits fan favorites Onimusha and Okami in renewed effort to revive dormant IP

What just happened? Capcom has announced that it will now focus on reviving long-dormant franchises with new titles. The Japanese developer is already working on new entries in the Onimusha and Okami series, and teased some unexpected surprises for the near future.

Onimusha: Way of the Sword is slated for release in 2026 and will introduce a new samurai warrior fighting demons at the onset of the Edo period in Kyoto. This marks the first new installment in the Onimusha series in over 20 years. The game will feature sword-based, hack-and-slash gameplay, which Capcom hopes will captivate fans of the genre.

Capcom has also started development on a new Okami sequel. The original game, released in 2006 for PlayStation 2, featured a unique cel-shaded art style and was deeply rooted in Japanese folklore. While Okami initially struggled with sales, it received critical acclaim and was later ported to multiple platforms, including PC.

Today, Okami is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games ever made and a prime example of games as art. The newly announced sequel will continue the story within the Okami universe, according to Capcom, and will be co-developed with the director and members of the original Okami team.

Both Onimusha and Okami are part of Capcom's renewed focus on its classic series. The company announced that it is reactivating dormant IPs and reviving game franchises that haven't seen a new title in recent years. Capcom explained to investors that this strategy is aimed at enhancing its corporate value, though the exact meaning of producing "highly efficient" titles remains unclear.

Capcom, founded in 1979, is one of the most iconic names in the video game industry. Based in Osaka, the company first dominated the arcade scene before successfully expanding into the home console and PC gaming markets in recent years.

Despite being one of the most influential studios in arcade gaming history, Capcom is now fully committed to modern platforms. The company recently emphasized that PC remains its primary platform for new releases, though executives are eager for players to spend more on recent productions.