"Ghost of Yotei: Hokkaido's Blend of Danger and Beauty"

Ghost of Yōtei's developers, Sucker Punch, have shared their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the primary setting for their latest game. Dive deeper into how they've brought Hokkaido to life in the game and their enriching experiences from their trips to Japan.

Ghost of Yōtei: Embracing Hokkaido as the Main Setting

A Sense of Authenticity in Fictional Depictions of Real-Life Places

Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch's tradition of integrating real-world Japanese locales into their games, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as the main stage. In a PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox detailed the reasons behind choosing Hokkaido for protagonist Atsu's journey.

Sucker Punch has a proven history of authentically recreating locations, most notably with Tsushima Island in their initial Ghost series title. Their efforts were met with acclaim from Japanese critics, leading to Game Director Nate Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell being appointed as ambassadors of the real Tsushima Island for their cultural representation.

In 2021, Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "Even many Japanese are unaware of the Gen-ko period's history. Globally, Tsushima's name and location are virtually unknown. We are deeply thankful for sharing our story with such stunning visuals and deep narratives."

The team's approach to Tsushima's representation was one of respect and authenticity, a philosophy they carried forward into Ghost of Yōtei. Fox explained that Hokkaido was chosen for its stunning beauty and historical significance as the edge of the Japanese empire in 1603, providing an ideal backdrop for Atsu's tale of vengeance. "If you’re telling a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location," Fox emphasized, highlighting the island's role in shaping Atsu's story and how her actions influence others' perceptions of her.

A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Danger

To authentically depict Hokkaido, Sucker Punch embarked on two research trips to Japan, a highlight of their development process according to Fox. One of the key locations they explored was Shiretoko National Park, where the stunning landscapes combined with the lurking dangers of wildlife provided a perfect fusion of tranquility and tension. "This exact feeling of beauty intertwined with danger was what we wanted to capture in our game. Visiting Shiretoko made us certain that Hokkaido was the right choice," Fox shared.

The team also visited Mt. Yōtei, known to the Ainu as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous people, have a profound connection with nature and regard the mountain as sacred. For the developers, Mt. Yōtei symbolized Hokkaido's essence and represented Atsu's lost family.

Fox noted that their interactions with locals and the creative ideas sparked during these visits made the trips immensely rewarding. These experiences allowed Sucker Punch to "capture the spirit of Hokkaido in our fictional rendition of the island." Acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture, the team is committed to learning more and ensuring a respectful portrayal.

Ghost of Yōtei is set to be Sucker Punch's most ambitious project yet, with eager fans anticipating its release. The game will launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay updated on all the latest news and developments by checking out our article below!