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

Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have chosen Hokkaido as the primary setting for their latest game. Delve into the reasons behind this choice and discover how they authentically recreate this Japanese region in their game, alongside their enriching experiences during 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-world Japanese locales into their games, this time setting the narrative in Ezo, known today as Hokkaido. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox explained the selection of Hokkaido as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu's journey.

Sucker Punch's previous success in recreating Tsushima Island for their first Ghost series game has set a high standard. The studio's efforts were not only critically acclaimed but also earned Game Director Nate Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell the title of ambassadors for Tsushima Island, recognizing their dedication to showcasing its culture and history.

In 2021, Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed gratitude for the global recognition brought to their island. He noted, "Even many Japanese people are unaware of the history of the Gen-ko period. Internationally, Tsushima's name and location are largely unknown, so we are deeply thankful for Sucker Punch's efforts to share our story through stunning graphics and deep narratives."

The approach for Ghost of Yōtei mirrors that of its predecessor, aiming to provide a respectful and authentic representation of Hokkaido. Fox highlighted the island's selection due to its breathtaking beauty and its historical significance as the frontier of the Japanese empire in 1603. "It's the ideal setting for a ghost story," Fox remarked, emphasizing the dramatic landscape as the perfect stage for Atsu's tale of vengeance and the impact of her actions on her perception.

A Perfect Marriage of Beauty and Danger

To ensure an authentic portrayal, Sucker Punch embarked on two research trips to Japan. Nate Fox described these journeys as the highlight of their development process. One significant location they explored was Shiretoko National Park, which epitomized the blend of natural beauty and inherent danger they sought to capture in the game. "This perfect marriage of beauty and danger was precisely what we aimed for in Ghost of Yōtei," Fox shared, affirming Hokkaido as the right choice.

The team also visited Mt. Yōtei, revered by the indigenous Ainu people as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, who predate modern Japanese settlement in Hokkaido, have a profound connection with nature, viewing this mountain as sacred. For the game's developers, Mt. Yōtei symbolizes both the region and the personal losses of the protagonist, Atsu.

Fox described the trip as deeply enriching, filled with interactions with locals and the inspiration of new ideas. These experiences enabled Sucker Punch to "capture the spirit" of Hokkaido in their fictional rendition, despite their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture. The studio plans to share more about their efforts to bridge cultural gaps in future updates.

As their most ambitious project to date, Ghost of Yōtei is eagerly anticipated by fans. The game is set to launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and insights by checking out our related articles.