Hokkaido's Ghost of Yotei: Danger Meets Beauty

Ghost of Yōtei's development team at Sucker Punch explains their decision to set the game in Hokkaido. Discover how they recreate this Japanese region digitally and insights from their research trips to Japan.

Ghost of Yōtei Features Hokkaido as Primary Setting

Capturing Authenticity in Virtual Representations of Real Locations

Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch's tradition of bringing real Japanese locations to life, with Ezo (modern Hokkaido) serving as its central setting. In a recent PlayStation Blog post, Game Director Nate Fox detailed their selection process for Hokkaido as protagonist Atsu's adventure backdrop.

Sucker Punch previously demonstrated this approach in their first Ghost title, which accurately depicted Tsushima Island. Their meticulous work earned praise from Japanese critics, with Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell even being named ambassadors of Tsushima for showcasing its culture.

Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu acknowledged their cultural contribution in 2021: "Many Japanese themselves don't know Genko period history. By bringing Tsushima's story to global audiences with stunning visuals and deep narratives, they've performed an invaluable service."

The team maintains this respectful approach for Ghost of Yōtei, aiming for "authenticity in our fictional storytelling." Hokkaido in 1603 represented "Japan's frontier" according to Fox, providing an ideal backdrop for Atsu's revenge tale and its societal consequences. "Dramatic locations enhance ghost stories," Fox noted.

Harmonizing Natural Beauty and Peril

Fox described how two research trips to Japan informed their design process. Visiting Shiretoko National Park revealed the region's dual character - breathtaking landscapes coexisting with wildlife threats. "This combination of splendor and danger perfectly matched our vision for the game," Fox explained, confirming Hokkaido as their setting choice.

The team also studied Mount Yōtei, known as "Machineshir" (Female Mountain) by Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people. This sacred mountain symbolized both Hokkaido and Atsu's lost family for the developers. Fox emphasized how local interactions and conceptual development made their research particularly rewarding, helping them "capture the island's spirit in our fictional interpretation."

As foreign developers, they acknowledge their limited understanding of Japanese culture and plan to address this challenge in future updates. Ghost of Yōtei represents Sucker Punch's most ambitious project yet, scheduled for PlayStation 5 exclusive release on October 2, 2025. Stay informed about game developments through our ongoing coverage.