Sucker Punch Productions, creators of Ghost of Yōtei, reveal their rationale behind selecting Hokkaido as the game's primary setting. Discover how they're recreating Japan's northern wilderness and their immersive research experiences during Japanese expeditions.
The Significance of Hokkaido in Ghost of Yōtei
Creating Authentic Representations of Real-World Locations
Ghost of Yōtei continues Sucker Punch's tradition of adapting real Japanese landscapes, focusing on Ezo (present-day Hokkaido) for protagonist Atsu's adventure. In a May 15 PlayStation Blog update, Game Director Nate Fox detailed their selection process for Hokkaido.
Sucker Punch previously earned acclaim for their faithful recreation of Tsushima Island in their first Ghost installment. Their meticulous approach won recognition from Japanese critics and officials - with Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell being named Tsushima ambassadors for promoting local culture.
Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu commended their efforts in 2021: "Many Japanese remain unfamiliar with the Genkō War period. Globally, Tsushima remains largely unknown - making their visually stunning historical interpretation invaluable."
The development team applies this same respectful approach to Ghost of Yōtei, maintaining their core philosophy: "Delivering authentic, believable fictional narratives rooted in real places." Fox explains Hokkaido's selection: "Beyond its breathtaking beauty, 1603-era Hokkaido represented Japan's frontier - creating the perfect stage for Atsu's vengeance tale and exploring how her actions reshape perceptions." He adds, "Ghost stories demand dramatic settings."
Harmonizing Splendor and Peril
Fox describes their Japanese research trips as career highlights. Their visit to Shiretoko National Park particularly resonated - where stunning landscapes coexisted with wildlife dangers.
This interplay became Ghost of Yōtei's core aesthetic. "That contrast of tranquil beauty and lurking danger defined exactly what we wanted," Fox recalls. "Standing there confirmed Hokkaido was our ideal setting."
The team also studied Mt. Yōtei ("Machineshir" in Ainu), sacred to Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people. This volcanic peak became both a geographic centerpiece and symbolic representation of Atsu's lost family.
Fox emphasizes how immersive research - connecting with locals and landscapes - helped them capture Hokkaido's essence while acknowledging cultural knowledge gaps. Further details on addressing these challenges will follow.
Announced as Sucker Punch's most ambitious project, Ghost of Yōtei launches October 2, 2025 exclusively for PlayStation 5. Stay updated with our latest coverage.
