Following the Game Awards announcement of a sequel to the beloved Ōkami, speculation immediately arose regarding its development engine. IGN exclusively confirms, after interviewing key project leads, that the game will indeed utilize Capcom's RE Engine.

In an extensive interview, Machine Head Works producer Kiyohiko Sakata confirmed the use of RE Engine, explaining Machine Head Works' role as a bridge between Capcom (IP holder and director of the game's overall vision) and Clover (development lead). Sakata highlighted Machine Head Works' prior experience collaborating with Capcom and Clover, including familiarity with RE Engine, a crucial factor given Clover's lack of experience with the engine. Furthermore, Machine Head Works boasts team members with experience on the original Ōkami, providing invaluable expertise.

Capcom producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi succinctly stated the appeal of RE Engine: "Yes," elaborating that Capcom believes Kamiya-san's artistic vision for the sequel would be unrealizable without it. Kamiya himself added that RE Engine's renowned expressive capabilities are expected and desired by fans.

Sakata further teased the potential of RE Engine, suggesting it will allow the team to realize aspects of the original Ōkami's vision that were technically unachievable at the time. He emphasized the current technological advancements and RE Engine's capabilities in achieving, and potentially surpassing, their past ambitions.

RE Engine, originally developed for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, powers many of Capcom's major titles, including the Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Street Fighter, and Dragon's Dogma franchises. While many RE Engine games feature a realistic art style, the prospect of its application to Ōkami's distinctive artistic direction is particularly intriguing. Capcom's development of a successor engine, REX, with gradual integration into RE Engine, hints at the possibility of seeing some of REX's technology in the Ōkami sequel.

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