Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, have revealed their reasons for selecting Hokkaido as the game's primary setting. Dive into this article to discover how they meticulously recreated Hokkaido and the insights they gained from their visits to Japan.
A Sense of Authenticity in Fictionalizing Real-Life Locations
Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch's tradition of bringing real-life Japanese locales into their games, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as the main setting. In a detailed PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Game Director Nate Fox elaborated on why the team chose Hokkaido for protagonist Atsu's narrative journey.
Sucker Punch has a proven track record of faithfully recreating real locations, having previously brought Tsushima Island to life in their initial Ghost series game. Their efforts were highly praised by 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 many Japanese people are unaware of the history of the Gen-ko period. Globally, Tsushima's name and location are virtually unknown, so we are immensely grateful for showcasing our story with such stunning graphics and deep narratives."
The team's approach to Ghost of Yōtei mirrors their respectful representation of Tsushima, aiming to "deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability to our fictional story." Fox highlighted Hokkaido's selection due to its "unbelievable beauty and its position at the edge of the Japanese empire in 1603," making it the ideal backdrop for Atsu's tale of revenge and the impact of her actions on public perception. He added, "If you're going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location."
A Perfect Blend of Beauty and Danger
Fox emphasized the importance of their two trips to Japan, which were crucial for gathering detailed information about the setting and its culture. One of the key locations they explored was Shiretoko National Park, a place where natural beauty meets a sense of danger.
The park's serene yet perilous environment perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere they wanted for the game. Fox remarked, "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 visit was to Mt. Yōtei, revered by the Ainu people as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, Hokkaido's indigenous inhabitants, have a profound connection with nature and consider the mountain sacred. For the developers, Mt. Yōtei symbolizes Hokkaido and represents the family Atsu lost.
Fox described the entire experience on the island, engaging with locals, and generating new ideas as immensely fulfilling. Their trip to Japan enabled them to "capture the spirit of it in our fictional version of the island." Acknowledging their initial unfamiliarity with Japanese culture, Sucker Punch plans to share more about how they will address this in upcoming updates.
Ghost of Yōtei is set to be Sucker Punch's most ambitious project yet, with fans eagerly anticipating its release. The game will launch exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay updated with the latest news by checking out our dedicated article below!
