Capcom Revivals: Past IPs Reemerge

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, detailed in a December 13th press release, signals a commitment to delivering high-quality content from its extensive game library.

The next Onimusha installment, 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 directors and development team, though a release date remains unannounced.

Capcom explicitly stated its intention to "re-activate dormant IPs," leveraging its rich catalog to create "highly efficient, high-quality titles." This strategy complements ongoing projects like Monster Hunter Wilds and Capcom Fighting Collection 2, both expected in 2025, demonstrating a commitment to both established and new titles. Recent releases such as Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Exoprimal further showcase this balanced approach.

Clues to Future Revivals: The "Super Elections"

Capcom's February 2024 "Super Elections" offered valuable insight into player preferences, revealing strong demand for sequels and remakes of various dormant franchises. Dino Crisis, Darkstalkers, Onimusha, and Breath of Fire emerged as top contenders. While Capcom remains discreet about specific future projects, the results of these elections, which included Onimusha and Okami, strongly suggest which dormant IPs might be next in line for a comeback.

The long dormancy of titles like Dino Crisis (last installment: 1997) and Darkstalkers (last installment: 2003), along with the short lifespan of Breath of Fire 6 (2016-2017), highlights the potential for significant revitalization within these well-known franchises. The "Super Elections" thus provide a compelling roadmap for Capcom's future IP revivals.