The latest installment in the iconic Resident Evil franchise is proving to be a little *too* effective, even for those who helped lay its terrifying foundations. Hideki Kamiya, a celebrated game designer with a storied history at Capcom and a pivotal role in shaping the early Resident Evil experience, has publicly admitted he’s finding Resident Evil Requiem too frightening to play, jokingly requesting a “not scary mode” from the developers.
The revelation came during a lighthearted moment captured in a video posted by Clovers Inc., the newly formed studio led by Kamiya. The video shows colleagues enjoying Resident Evil Requiem while Kamiya expresses his inability to join them, citing the game’s intense horror. Despite the playful atmosphere, his request for a less-intimidating option felt genuine.
“I’ve always said they should create a non-scary mode,” Kamiya stated, acknowledging the inherent contradiction. “It would effectively destroy the whole concept of the game,” he conceded, “but it would at least allow people like me to enjoy it. Look, I just want to enjoy the puzzles and the combat, I don’t need to be scared.”
We’re all playing Resident Evil Requiem!
Kamiya—who hates horror games—is doing his usual grumbling 🤭🍀 pic.twitter.com/ocbW8tsnDR— CLOVERS Inc. (@CLOVERS_en) March 10, 2026
The irony of Kamiya’s predicament isn’t lost on fans. He was a key figure in the development of Resident Evil 2 (1998), a landmark title in the survival horror genre renowned for its suspense and terrifying atmosphere. To have contributed to creating fear in others, only to be overwhelmed by the very formula decades later, is a candid admission from a veteran of the industry. Kamiya began his career at Capcom in 1994, and his influence on the company’s output during the late 90s and early 2000s was significant, according to his Wikipedia profile.
From Capcom to Clovers: A Return to Roots
While Resident Evil Requiem is testing Kamiya’s nerves, his new studio, Clovers, is focused on its own ambitious project: a sequel to the critically acclaimed 2006 action-adventure game, Ōkami. The announcement of the Ōkami sequel, and the formation of Clovers, came during The Game Awards in late 2025, marking a significant return for Kamiya to Capcom’s orbit. Clovers is collaborating with two other studios on the project: M-Two, which previously worked on Okami HD and remakes of Resident Evil 3 and 4, and Machine Head Works, a newly established studio.
The creation of Clovers represents a full-circle moment for Kamiya. He originally joined Clover Studio, a Capcom subsidiary, in 2004, where he worked on titles like Viewtiful Joe and God Hand. However, Clover Studio was shuttered in 2006, shortly after the release of Ōkami. Following the closure, Kamiya, along with Atsushi Inaba and Shinji Mikami, founded PlatinumGames, where he remained until September 2023. GamesIndustry.biz reports that Kamiya left PlatinumGames to pursue independent development, ultimately leading to the establishment of Clovers and his return to Capcom.
A Unique Studio Structure
Clovers operates with a distinct approach to game development. According to the studio’s website, Clovers Inc. focuses on a “core group of elites who create and develop the ‘core’ of games,” relying on partnerships with other studios for broader development support. This model allows Clovers to maintain creative control while leveraging the expertise of collaborators like M-Two and Machine Head Works. The studio has locations in Osaka and Tokyo, fostering a collaborative environment for its team.
Kamiya’s Legacy and the Future of Horror
Hideki Kamiya’s career is marked by a willingness to experiment and push boundaries within the gaming industry. From the groundbreaking action of Devil May Cry (2001) to the stylistic flair of Bayonetta (2009) and the innovative gameplay of The Wonderful 101 (2013), his projects have consistently garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. His influence extends beyond specific titles, shaping the action game landscape and inspiring a generation of developers.
The fact that a veteran horror game creator like Kamiya is finding Resident Evil Requiem overwhelming speaks to the evolving nature of the genre. Modern horror games often prioritize psychological terror and immersive environments, aiming to create a truly unsettling experience for players. This contrasts with earlier titles, which often relied more on jump scares and overt gore. The success of Resident Evil Requiem, and its ability to frighten even those who helped define the genre, suggests that the bar for horror in video games continues to rise.
The Ōkami Sequel: A Return to Mythological Roots
While details surrounding the Ōkami sequel remain scarce, the project represents a significant opportunity for Kamiya to revisit a beloved title and explore new creative avenues. Ōkami, released in 2006, was praised for its unique sumi-e ink wash painting art style, compelling story inspired by Japanese mythology, and innovative gameplay mechanics. A sequel could build upon these strengths, offering a fresh and captivating experience for both longtime fans and newcomers. The studio’s commitment to preserving the core essence of Ōkami while introducing new elements will be crucial to the project’s success.
Kamiya expressed his enthusiasm for the project on the Clovers website, stating, “Due to various reasons, I left a large group and became independent, and for a while I searched for a place where I could perform on game development in accordance with my creative beliefs. Thanks to the support of encouraging friends who share the same beliefs, I was able to find a place where I could be proud to create a game that I could share with everyone. We may be small in size, but our souls are big and powerful.”
As Clovers continues development on the Ōkami sequel, fans eagerly await further updates. The studio’s commitment to quality and creative vision, coupled with Kamiya’s extensive experience, suggests that the sequel has the potential to be a truly special title. The next major update regarding the Ōkami sequel is anticipated during a Capcom showcase event scheduled for late 2026, according to industry reports.
The gaming community will be watching closely to see if Clovers can deliver on its promise and create a sequel that honors the legacy of Ōkami while pushing the boundaries of the action-adventure genre. And perhaps, just perhaps, a “not scary mode” will be included for those who, like Hideki Kamiya, prefer their puzzles and combat without the overwhelming fear.
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