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

Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have shared their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the primary setting for their latest game. Dive into the details of how they meticulously recreated Hokkaido and the insights 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 continues Sucker Punch's tradition of integrating real-life Japanese locales into their games, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu's journey. In a PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox elaborated on the decision to set the game on Hokkaido.

Sucker Punch is no stranger to recreating actual locations, having previously brought Tsushima Island to life in the first Ghost series game. Their efforts were well-received, earning them high praise from Japanese critics. Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell were even honored as ambassadors of Tsushima Island for their authentic portrayal of its culture and history.

In 2021, Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed gratitude for Sucker Punch's work, stating, "Even many Japanese people are unaware of the history of the Gen-ko period. Internationally, Tsushima is largely unknown, so we are immensely thankful for bringing our story to life with stunning graphics and deep narratives."

The team's approach to both Tsushima and Hokkaido is rooted in a desire to "deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability" within their fictional narratives. For Ghost of Yōtei, Hokkaido was chosen for its "unbelievable beauty" and its historical significance as "the edge of the Japanese empire in 1603." Fox highlighted that Hokkaido was the ideal setting for Atsu's revenge story, emphasizing how her actions would shape her reputation. "If you're going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location," he remarked.

A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Danger

During their research trips to Japan, Fox noted that visiting places like Shiretoko National Park was a highlight. The park's stunning landscapes combined with the ever-present danger of wildlife perfectly encapsulated the game's intended atmosphere. "A perfect marriage of beauty and danger, that was the exact feeling we wanted for our game. That was the moment I knew Hokkaido was the right choice," Fox explained.

Another significant location was Mt. Yōtei, known to the Ainu people as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, indigenous to Hokkaido, have a profound connection with nature and consider the mountain sacred. For the developers, Mt. Yōtei symbolized both the essence of Hokkaido and the family Atsu lost.

Fox emphasized that interacting with locals and developing new concepts during their time in Japan was incredibly rewarding. These experiences helped Sucker Punch "capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island." Acknowledging their initial lack of knowledge about Japanese culture, the team is committed to addressing this gap, with more details to be shared soon.

As Sucker Punch's most ambitious project to date, Ghost of Yōtei is highly anticipated by fans. The game is set to launch on October 2, 2025, exclusively on the PlayStation 5. Stay tuned for more updates and insights into this exciting new chapter in the Ghost series.