Hideki Kamiya, a prominent personality in the gaming world and co-founder of PlatinumGames, holds an unwavering belief in the power of patience, a sentiment deeply rooted in his extensive experience. His journey includes a nearly two-decade wait to announce an 'Okami' follow-up. While development on 'Okami 2' is well underway, Kamiya's anticipation now extends to another cherished venture: 'Scalebound'. This article delves into Kamiya's persistent optimism and efforts to bring this canceled project back to life.
The Unyielding Hope: A Dragon's Return to the Gaming Horizon
A Director's Vision and the Long Road to Realization
Hideki Kamiya, a name synonymous with iconic titles such as 'Resident Evil 2' and a driving force behind PlatinumGames, often reflects on the virtue of persistence in the video game creation process. His career is marked by significant waits, including almost twenty years before the reveal of a sequel to 'Okami'. Now, with 'Okami 2' progressing steadily, Kamiya shifts his focus to another project that remains close to his heart: 'Scalebound'.
The Genesis and Unfortunate Demise of 'Scalebound'
Initially unveiled at Microsoft's E3 press conference in 2014, 'Scalebound' was heralded as an exclusive Xbox title under Kamiya's direction at PlatinumGames. Over the subsequent years, glimpses into this ambitious action game—featuring a protagonist battling alongside a dragon—were occasionally released. However, after an initial delay, Microsoft ultimately decided to discontinue the project in 2017. Following this cancellation, Kamiya publicly expressed his regret, vowing to prevent similar disappointments in the future.
A Decade Later: Persistent Hopes for a Comeback
Even with almost ten years having passed since its termination, Kamiya's hope for 'Scalebound' endures. When questioned about reaching out to Microsoft's new Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, regarding the game, Kamiya seized the opportunity to vocalize his plea: 'If they wish to proceed, let's make it happen!' He also confirmed that Kento Koyama, CEO of Clovers and a former colleague from PlatinumGames, is ready to rejoin the effort.
Reflections on the Past and a Glimmer of Future Possibility
Kamiya recently reconnected with several former 'Scalebound' team members, reminiscing about their time working on the project. While not the sole topic of conversation, the canceled game inevitably came up. Kamiya noted, 'We all remembered the enjoyment we had working on 'Scalebound',' acknowledging the challenges but cherishing the shared positive experiences, which he finds deeply rewarding as the project's director.
The Philosophy of Patience and the Dream of Revival
Kamiya is prepared to wait indefinitely for 'Scalebound' to resurface. He firmly believes that 'if one desires something strongly enough, a path to its realization will eventually emerge.' Drawing a parallel with 'Okami', where an opportunity reappeared after many years, he expresses his earnest wish for a similar fate to befall 'Scalebound' in the years to come.
