Ghost of Yōtei: Exploring Hokkaido's Sense of Danger and Beauty

Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have unveiled their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the primary setting for their latest game. Dive into the details of how they meticulously recreated Hokkaido and their enriching experiences during their visits to Japan.

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, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as the main backdrop. In a May 15 PlayStation Blog post, Game Director Nate Fox detailed the team's decision to set protagonist Atsu's journey on Hokkaido.

Sucker Punch is no stranger to recreating real places, having previously brought Tsushima Island to life in their first Ghost series game. Their efforts earned them high acclaim from Japanese critics, and both Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell were honored as ambassadors of Tsushima Island for their cultural representation.

In 2021, Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu expressed gratitude for their work, stating, "Even a lot of Japanese people do not know the history of the Gen-ko period. When it comes to the world, the name and location of Tsushima is literally unknown, so I cannot thank them enough for telling our story with such phenomenal graphics and profound stories."

The team's aim remains consistent—to offer a respectful and authentic portrayal of their settings. For Ghost of Yōtei, Hokkaido was chosen for its breathtaking beauty and its historical significance as the edge of the Japanese empire in 1603. Fox emphasized that this dramatic location was ideal for introducing players to Atsu's tale of revenge, highlighting how her actions shape her public perception. He remarked, "If you’re going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location."

A Perfect Marriage of Beauty and Danger

To authentically capture Hokkaido's essence, the team embarked on two trips to Japan. Fox highlighted these journeys as the most rewarding aspect of their work. One key location they visited was Shiretoko National Park, a place that embodies both natural beauty and an underlying sense of danger.

The park's serene landscapes, juxtaposed with the lurking threats of wildlife, perfectly encapsulate the blend of tranquility and peril that Sucker Punch aimed to convey in their game. Fox shared, "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."

Another significant site was Mt. Yōtei, revered by the Ainu people as "Machineshir," or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, indigenous to Hokkaido, hold deep spiritual connections with the land, viewing this mountain as sacred. For the developers, Mt. Yōtei symbolizes Hokkaido and represents the family Atsu lost.

Fox noted that engaging with the local community and brainstorming new ideas during these trips enriched their experience. These visits helped Sucker Punch "capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island." Acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture, the team plans to share more about their efforts to address this soon.

Ghost of Yōtei stands as Sucker Punch's most ambitious project to date, generating excitement among fans. The game is set to launch on October 2, 2025, exclusively for the PlayStation 5. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated title.