"Ghost of Yotei: Hokkaido's Dangerous Beauty"

Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have shared fascinating insights into their decision to set the game in Hokkaido. Dive into the details of how they meticulously recreated the island and their enriching experiences during their visits to Japan.

Ghost of Yōtei: Embracing Hokkaido as the Main Setting

A Sense of Authenticity to the Fictional Depiction of Real-Life Places

Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch's tradition of integrating real-life Japanese locales into their games, this time focusing on Ezo, now known as Hokkaido. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox explained the rationale behind selecting Hokkaido as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu’s journey.

Sucker Punch isn't new to recreating real-world settings, having vividly brought Tsushima Island to life in their initial Ghost series game. Their efforts were met with acclaim from Japanese critics, leading to Game Director Nate Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell being honored as ambassadors of Tsushima. This accolade came after the city's mayor, Naoki Hitakatsu, praised their work for bringing global attention to the island's rich history and culture.

Mayor Hitakatsu's statement in 2021 highlighted the significance of Sucker Punch's efforts: "Even many Japanese are unaware of the Gen-ko period's history. Globally, Tsushima remains largely unknown, so we are immensely grateful for Sucker Punch's storytelling and stunning graphics that bring our history to life."

The team's approach to both games has been to "deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability to our fictional story." For Ghost of Yōtei, Hokkaido was selected due to its stunning beauty and its historical significance as the frontier of the Japanese empire in 1603. Fox emphasized that this setting perfectly suits Atsu's revenge-driven narrative, illustrating how her actions shape public perception. He remarked, "If you’re going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location."

A Perfect Marriage of Beauty and Danger

To capture the essence of Hokkaido, Sucker Punch made two research trips to Japan, which Fox described as the highlight of their development process. One notable visit was to Shiretoko National Park, where the team experienced the unique blend of serene landscapes and the lurking dangers posed by wildlife. Fox described it as "a perfect marriage of beauty and danger," which resonated deeply with the game’s intended atmosphere.

Another significant location was Mt. Yōtei, revered by the indigenous Ainu people as "Machineshir," or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu's longstanding connection to Hokkaido and their reverence for the natural world deeply influenced the developers. For the game, Mt. Yōtei symbolizes both the island and Atsu's lost family.

Fox shared that interacting with locals and developing new concepts during their time in Japan was profoundly rewarding. These experiences helped them "capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island." Acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture, Sucker Punch is committed to further learning and ensuring a respectful portrayal.

As Sucker Punch's largest project to date, Ghost of Yōtei has generated significant excitement among fans. The game is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this eagerly anticipated title!