Sucker Punch, the creative minds behind Ghost of Yōtei, have unveiled their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the primary setting for their latest game. Dive into this article to discover how the team meticulously recreated Hokkaido and the insights they gained from their journeys 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 aims to bring the real-life charm of Japan into the gaming world by setting its narrative in Ezo, the historical name for present-day Hokkaido. In a detailed post on the PlayStation Blog dated May 15, Nate Fox, Game Director at Sucker Punch, elaborated on why the team chose Hokkaido as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu's journey.
Sucker Punch isn't new to the task of recreating real locations, having previously brought Tsushima Island to life in their debut Ghost series game. Their efforts were met with acclaim, particularly from Japanese critics, and led to Game Director Nate Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell being honored as ambassadors of Tsushima for their respectful portrayal of the island's culture and history.
Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed his gratitude in a 2021 statement, highlighting how the game introduced the island's rich history to a global audience. "Many Japanese are unaware of the Gen-ko period's history, and internationally, Tsushima remains largely unknown. Sucker Punch's work has been invaluable in sharing our story with stunning visuals and deep narratives," Hitakatsu remarked.
The team's approach to Ghost of Yōtei mirrors their commitment to authenticity seen in their previous work. By setting the game in Hokkaido, which Fox described as "unbelievably beautiful" and a frontier in 1603, they aim to craft an immersive experience that blends historical accuracy with a compelling narrative. "If you're going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location," Fox emphasized, highlighting Hokkaido's suitability for Atsu's tale of revenge.
A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Danger
To ensure the game's setting felt authentic, Sucker Punch embarked on two research trips to Japan, which Fox described as one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. One of their key stops was Shiretoko National Park, a place that encapsulates the perfect balance of natural beauty and inherent danger.
The serene landscapes juxtaposed with the lurking threats from wildlife provided the exact atmosphere the team wanted to capture in Ghost of Yōtei. "A perfect marriage of beauty and danger, that was the exact feeling we wanted for our game. For me, that was the moment I knew Hokkaido was the right choice," Fox shared.
Another significant visit was to Mt. Yōtei, revered by the indigenous Ainu people as "Machineshir," or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu's deep connection to the land and reverence for the mountain resonated with the developers, making it a powerful symbol in the game, representing both Hokkaido and Atsu's lost family.
Fox noted that their interactions with locals and the inspiration drawn from the island's environment made the trips profoundly fulfilling. These experiences helped the team "capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island." Acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture, Sucker Punch plans to share more on how they addressed this in future updates.
As the most ambitious project yet for the studio, Ghost of Yōtei has generated significant excitement among fans. The game is set to launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. For the latest updates and more information, be sure to check out our dedicated article.
