Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs: Okami, Onimusha, and Beyond
Capcom has announced its continued focus on reviving classic intellectual properties (IPs), beginning with the highly anticipated returns of Okami and Onimusha. This strategy aims to leverage Capcom's extensive game library to deliver high-quality content to players.
Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge
A December 13th press release confirmed Capcom's commitment to resurrecting 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 team, though a release date remains undisclosed.
Capcom explicitly stated its intention to "re-activate dormant IPs," prioritizing efficient production of high-quality titles to enhance corporate value. This strategy complements ongoing projects like Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both scheduled for a 2025 release. This doesn't preclude new IP development, as evidenced by recent releases such as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal.
Fan Input and Future Possibilities
Capcom's February 2024 "Super Election," a fan vote for desired sequels and remakes, offers clues about future revivals. The results highlighted strong interest in Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, Onimusha, and Breath of Fire. While Capcom remains discreet about its future plans, the "Super Election" data, along with the Okami and Onimusha announcements, strongly suggests that these fan-favorite franchises are prime candidates for future projects. The long dormancy of titles like Dino Crisis (last installment: 1997) and Darkstalkers (last installment: 2003), coupled with the relatively short lifespan of Breath of Fire 6 (2016-2017), makes them particularly ripe for a comeback.
The future looks bright for fans of classic Capcom games, with a clear strategy in place to bring beloved IPs back into the spotlight.
