Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have revealed their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the primary setting for the game. Dive into this article to discover how they meticulously recreated Hokkaido and what inspired them 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 gaming world, setting the sequel in Ezo, now known as Hokkaido. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox elaborated on why the team selected Hokkaido as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu’s journey.
Sucker Punch's previous success with recreating Tsushima Island in their first Ghost game set a high standard. Their efforts were lauded by Japanese critics, and both Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell were honored as ambassadors of Tsushima for their respectful portrayal of its culture and narratives.
Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu, in a 2021 statement, expressed gratitude for the game's role in spotlighting the island's history during the Gen-ko period. "Many in Japan are unaware of this era. Globally, Tsushima's name and location are virtually unknown. We are deeply thankful for Sucker Punch's efforts in bringing our stories to life with stunning visuals and deep narratives," Hitakatsu remarked.
The team's commitment to authenticity extends to Ghost of Yōtei, where they chose Hokkaido for its striking beauty and its historical significance as the frontier of the Japanese empire in 1603. Fox highlighted that Hokkaido's dramatic setting was ideal for Atsu’s tale of revenge, reflecting the impact of her actions on her reputation. "For a ghost story, there's no better stage than a dramatic location," Fox emphasized.
A Perfect Marriage of Beauty and Danger
Fox shared that the team's research trips to Japan were pivotal, with visits to places like Shiretoko National Park, which encapsulates both natural beauty and inherent danger. This blend of tranquility and peril resonated deeply with the team, affirming Hokkaido as the perfect setting. "The combination of beauty and danger we experienced there was exactly what we wanted to capture in our game," Fox explained.
Another significant location was Mt. Yōtei, revered by the Ainu as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu's deep-rooted connection to Hokkaido and their reverence for this sacred mountain inspired the developers, symbolizing both the island and Atsu’s lost family.
Fox found the entire experience in Hokkaido, from engaging with locals to conceptualizing new ideas, to be incredibly enriching. These trips helped Sucker Punch capture the essence of Hokkaido in their fictional rendition, despite their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture. The team is committed to sharing more on how they plan to address this cultural gap.
As the largest project Sucker Punch has undertaken, Ghost of Yōtei has generated significant excitement among fans. The game is set to launch exclusively on the PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay tuned to our updates for the latest on Ghost of Yōtei!
