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

Ghost of Yōtei’s developers, Sucker Punch, have unveiled their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the central setting for their latest game. Delve into this article to discover how they've meticulously recreated Hokkaido within the game and gain insights into their enriching experiences during their visits 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 rich tapestry of Japan's real-life locales into its virtual world, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as the primary backdrop. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Sucker Punch's Game Director Nate Fox elaborated on the decision to set protagonist Atsu’s journey on the island of Hokkaido.

Recreating authentic settings is a forte for Sucker Punch, as evidenced by their successful portrayal of Tsushima Island in the original Ghost series. Their dedication to cultural accuracy earned them high acclaim from Japanese critics, and even led to Game Director Nate Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell being appointed as ambassadors of Tsushima Island for their efforts in highlighting its heritage and narratives.

In 2021, Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed gratitude for this recognition, stating, "Many Japanese people are unaware of the history of the Gen-ko period. Globally, Tsushima's name and location are obscure, so I am deeply thankful for their exceptional work in bringing our stories to life with stunning graphics and deep narratives."

The team's mission was to respectfully represent Tsushima, an approach they are replicating with Ghost of Yōtei. Their overarching goal for both games remains, "To convey a sense of authenticity and believability within our fictional narrative."

Hokkaido was selected for Ghost of Yōtei due to its "stunning beauty and its position at the edge of the Japanese empire in 1603." Fox highlighted that this setting perfectly complements Atsu’s tale of vengeance, illustrating how her deeds shape public perception. He remarked, "For a ghost story, a dramatic setting is essential."

A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Danger

Fox shared that the team embarked on two trips to Japan to immerse themselves in the culture and landscape of their chosen setting, which he described as the most rewarding aspect of their work. Among the locations visited was Shiretoko National Park, a place that epitomizes the fusion of natural splendor and inherent peril.

The park's breathtaking views, combined with its lurking wildlife dangers, encapsulate the essence of tranquility intertwined with adversity. "This perfect amalgamation of beauty and danger was exactly the atmosphere we aimed to capture in our game. Visiting Shiretoko solidified our decision to set the game in Hokkaido," Fox elaborated.

Another significant site the team explored was Mt. Yōtei, revered by the Ainu people as "Machineshir," or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, indigenous to Hokkaido long before the arrival of modern Japanese settlers, hold a profound reverence for nature, considering the mountain sacred. For the developers, Mt. Yōtei became a symbol of Hokkaido and a poignant reminder of Atsu's lost family.

Fox noted that engaging with locals and brainstorming new ideas during their time on the island was immensely fulfilling. These journeys enabled Sucker Punch to "embody the spirit of Hokkaido in our fictional depiction." Acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture, they are committed to improving their cultural representation, with further details to be shared soon.

As previously announced, Ghost of Yōtei represents the most ambitious project yet for Sucker Punch, generating significant excitement among fans. The game is slated for release on October 2, 2025, exclusively on the PlayStation 5. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this eagerly anticipated title by checking out our related article below!