Capcom's Past IP Revivals Will Continue

Capcom's Revival of Classic IPs Continues: Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge

Capcom has confirmed its ongoing commitment to reviving classic intellectual properties (IPs), with the Okami and Onimusha franchises spearheading this initiative. This article delves into Capcom's strategy and explores potential candidates for future revivals.

Capcom's Renewed Focus on Legacy IPs

In a December 13th press release announcing new installments in the Onimusha and Okami series, Capcom explicitly stated its intention to continue leveraging its extensive catalog of 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 creative team, though a release date remains unannounced.

Capcom's Strategy: High-Quality, High-Efficiency

Capcom's strategy centers on reactivating underutilized IPs to generate high-quality content efficiently, thereby boosting corporate value. This approach is evident in their simultaneous development of Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both expected in 2025, alongside ongoing work on new titles such as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal.

Fan Input Shapes Future Revivals: The "Super Elections"

Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections," a fan poll focusing on desired sequels and remakes, offers valuable insight into potential future projects. The results highlighted significant demand for titles like Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, and Breath of Fire, all of which have seen prolonged periods of inactivity. While Capcom remains discreet about its future plans, the "Super Elections" results, which included Onimusha and Okami, strongly suggest that fan preferences will play a significant role in determining which dormant IPs receive renewed attention. The long dormancy of franchises 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 prime candidates for remasters or sequels.