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

Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have shared their reasons for choosing Hokkaido as the primary setting for their latest game. Delve into how they meticulously recreated Hokkaido within the game and their enriching experiences 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 bringing authentic Japanese locales into their games, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as the central backdrop. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox explained the selection of Hokkaido as the setting for protagonist Atsu's journey.

Sucker Punch is no stranger to recreating real-world locations, having previously brought Tsushima Island to life in their initial Ghost series installment. Their efforts were met with high acclaim from Japanese critics, and Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell were honored as ambassadors of Tsushima for their cultural representation.

Tsushima's Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu praised the developers in a 2021 statement, highlighting their role in illuminating the lesser-known history of the Gen-ko period and the island's global recognition. "Even many Japanese are unaware of the Gen-ko period's history. Globally, Tsushima remains relatively unknown, so I am deeply grateful for their efforts in sharing our story with such stunning visuals and compelling narratives," Hitakatsu remarked.

The team's approach to Tsushima was one of respect and authenticity, a philosophy they carried over to Ghost of Yōtei. Fox noted that Hokkaido was chosen for its stunning beauty and its historical significance as the edge of the Japanese empire in 1603. He stated, "Hokkaido's dramatic landscapes are the perfect stage for Atsu's tale of revenge, illustrating how her actions shape public perception. If you're crafting a ghost story, a dramatic setting is essential."

A Perfect Marriage of Beauty and Danger

To authentically capture Hokkaido's essence, Sucker Punch embarked on two research trips to Japan. Fox described these trips as the highlight of their development process. One key location they explored was Shiretoko National Park, a place where natural beauty meets inherent danger.

The park's serene yet perilous environment resonated deeply with the team's vision for the game. "Shiretoko's blend of beauty and danger perfectly encapsulates the atmosphere we want to convey in Ghost of Yōtei. That moment confirmed Hokkaido as our ideal setting," Fox elaborated.

Another significant site visited was Mt. Yōtei, revered by the Ainu people as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, long-time inhabitants of Hokkaido, have a profound connection with nature, viewing the mountain as sacred. For the game's narrative, Mt. Yōtei symbolizes both the spirit of Hokkaido and the personal loss experienced by Atsu.

Fox reflected on the enriching experience of interacting with locals and conceptualizing new ideas, stating that these trips allowed them to "capture the spirit of Hokkaido in our fictional rendition." Acknowledging their initial cultural ignorance, Sucker Punch is committed to learning and accurately representing Japanese culture in their game.

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