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

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Ghost of Yōtei: Why Sucker Punch Chose Hokkaido as the Game’s Setting

In a recent update, Ghost of Yōtei developers at Sucker Punch have revealed why they chose Hokkaido as the central setting for their upcoming title. The studio dives into how they bring real-world locations to life within the game world, sharing insights from their research trips to Japan.

Recreating Realism Through Fiction

Set in Ezo—known today as Hokkaido—Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch’s tradition of grounding its fictional worlds in real geography and history. In a PlayStation Blog post dated May 15, Nate Fox, Game Director at Sucker Punch, explained the decision behind selecting this iconic Japanese island as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu’s journey.

This isn’t the first time the studio has recreated a real-world location with stunning accuracy. Their previous work on Ghost of Tsushima was widely praised for its immersive depiction of Tsushima Island. The team even received cultural recognition from local officials, being named ambassadors of the island due to their respectful portrayal of its heritage.

In 2021, Tsushima’s mayor, Naoki Hitakatsu, expressed his gratitude: “Even many Japanese people are unaware of the Gen-ko period’s history. Globally, Tsushima is virtually unknown. I cannot thank them enough for telling our story with such phenomenal graphics and profound storytelling.”

The same philosophy applies to Ghost of Yōtei. As Fox noted, the goal remains consistent: "To deliver a feeling of authenticity and believability to our fictional story." Choosing Hokkaido made perfect sense, as it was "unbelievably beautiful and, in 1603, marked the edge of the Japanese empire." It offered the ideal setting for Atsu’s tale of vengeance and transformation. Fox added, "If you're going to tell a ghost story, do it in a dramatic location."

The Perfect Blend of Beauty and Peril

Sucker Punch made two research trips to Japan to better understand the culture and environment that would shape Ghost of Yōtei. One highlight was visiting Shiretoko National Park, where the team experienced firsthand the juxtaposition of breathtaking scenery and natural danger.

Fox described the atmosphere as a perfect match for the tone of the game: “A perfect marriage of beauty and danger—that was the exact feeling we wanted.” He added, “For me, that was the moment I knew Hokkaido was the right choice.”

Another key destination during their trip was Mt. Yōtei, known to the Ainu people as “Machineshir,” or “the Female Mountain.” Revered by the indigenous Ainu, who have inhabited Hokkaido for centuries, the mountain represents spiritual significance and a deep connection to nature. For the development team, it became a powerful symbol—not only of the island itself but also of Atsu’s personal journey and loss.

Fox shared that these experiences—meeting locals, exploring sacred sites, and absorbing the landscape—deepened their understanding and enriched the creative process. He admitted that, as outsiders, there was much to learn about Japanese and Ainu culture. More details will be shared in the future regarding how the team plans to respectfully represent these elements in-game.

What’s Next?

As previously announced, Ghost of Yōtei is shaping up to be Sucker Punch’s most ambitious project yet. With its October 2, 2025 release date set exclusively for PlayStation 5, anticipation continues to build among fans worldwide.

Stay tuned to our site for the latest updates, gameplay reveals, and developer insights into one of the most anticipated titles of the year.

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