The developers of Ghost of Yōtei, Sucker Punch, explain why they chose Hokkaido as the game's primary setting. Discover how they recreated Hokkaido in the game and learn about their experiences during research trips to Japan.
Hokkaido as the Primary Setting in Ghost of Yōtei
Blending Authenticity with a Fictional Interpretation of Real Locations
Ghost of Yōtei continues the tradition of bringing real Japanese locations to the virtual world, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) serving as its central setting. In a PlayStation Blog post published on May 15, Sucker Punch Game Director Nate Fox shared insights into why the team selected Hokkaido as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu's journey.
Recreating real-world locations is a familiar process for Sucker Punch, having previously brought Tsushima Island to life in the first Ghost series game. The studio has a strong track record in this area, earning praise from Japanese critics. Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell were even named ambassadors of Tsushima Island in recognition of their work highlighting its culture and history.
In 2021, Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu commented on this honor, stating, "Many Japanese people are unfamiliar with the history of the Genko period. Internationally, Tsushima's name and location are virtually unknown, so I am profoundly grateful that they shared our story with such impressive graphics and deep narrative."
The team aimed to portray Tsushima respectfully, applying the same careful approach to the sequel. Their goal for both games was "to create a sense of authenticity and believability within our fictional narrative."
Hokkaido was chosen for Ghost of Yōtei because it is "incredibly beautiful and, in 1603, represented the frontier of the Japanese empire." Fox explained that it was the ideal setting for Atsu's revenge story, illustrating how her actions shape public perception. He noted, "To tell a compelling ghost story, you need a dramatic location."
Where Beauty Meets Danger
Fox mentioned that the team made two research trips to Japan to gather cultural and environmental insights, which he described as one of the most rewarding aspects of development. One key destination was Shiretoko National Park, which uniquely combines breathtaking beauty with inherent risks.
The park's serene landscapes, contrasted with the presence of wild animals, created a dynamic of tranquility and peril. "This perfect blend of beauty and danger was exactly the atmosphere we wanted for our game. Visiting Shiretoko confirmed that Hokkaido was the right choice," Fox elaborated.
The team also visited Mount Yōtei, known as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain" by the Ainu people, Hokkaido's indigenous inhabitants. The Ainu have a deep spiritual connection to nature and consider the mountain sacred. For the developers, the mountain symbolizes both Hokkaido and the family Atsu lost.
Fox reflected that the entire experience—engaging with locals and brainstorming new ideas—was deeply fulfilling. The research trips helped Sucker Punch "capture the island's essence in our fictional interpretation." As outsiders, the team acknowledged their limited understanding of Japanese culture and plan to share more about how they addressed this challenge.
As previously announced, this game will be the studio’s most ambitious project to date, generating significant excitement among fans. Ghost of Yōtei is scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. For the latest updates, read our article below!
