Ghost of Yotei: Hokkaido's Stunning Yet Perilous Setting Unveiled

Sucker Punch, the developers behind Ghost of Yōtei, explain why Hokkaido was selected as the game's primary setting. Discover how they bring Hokkaido to life in the game and their insights from research trips to Japan.

Hokkaido as the Heart of Ghost of Yōtei

Crafting Authentic Representations of Real-World Locations

Ghost of Yōtei brings Japan's real-world locales into the game, with Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido) as its central stage. In a May 15 PlayStation Blog post, Sucker Punch Game Director Nate Fox revealed why Hokkaido was chosen for protagonist Atsu’s epic journey.

Sucker Punch has a proven track record of vividly recreating real places, as seen in their depiction of Tsushima Island in the original Ghost game, which earned acclaim from Japanese critics. Notably, Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell were named ambassadors of Tsushima Island for their efforts in highlighting its culture and history.

In 2021, Tsushima’s Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu praised the studio’s work, stating, "Many Japanese are unaware of the Gen-ko period’s history. Globally, Tsushima is barely known, so I’m deeply grateful for their stunning visuals and compelling storytelling that brought our story to life."

The studio aimed to portray Tsushima respectfully, an approach they’ve carried into the Ghost series’ sequel. Their goal remains to infuse authenticity and believability into their fictional narrative.

For Ghost of Yōtei, Hokkaido was chosen for its breathtaking beauty and its status in 1603 as the frontier of the Japanese empire. Fox noted that it was the ideal setting for Atsu’s tale of vengeance, emphasizing how her actions shape others’ perceptions of her. He remarked, "A ghost story demands a striking, dramatic backdrop."

Blending Serenity with Peril

Fox shared that the team made two trips to Japan to immerse themselves in Hokkaido’s culture and environment, describing the experience as a highlight of the project. One key visit was to Shiretoko National Park, where natural splendor meets the ever-present threat of wildlife.

This mix of tranquility and danger resonated deeply. "Hokkaido’s blend of beauty and peril was exactly what we wanted to capture. That moment confirmed it was the perfect setting," Fox said.

The team also visited Mt. Yōtei, known to the Ainu as "Machineshir" or "the Female Mountain." The Ainu, Hokkaido’s indigenous people, have a profound connection to nature and consider the mountain sacred. For the developers, Mt. Yōtei became a powerful symbol of Hokkaido and Atsu’s lost family.

Fox described the trip as enriching, with interactions with locals sparking new ideas. Despite their limited knowledge of Japanese culture as outsiders, Sucker Punch strives to honor Hokkaido’s essence in their fictional rendition.

This ambitious project, the studio’s largest to date, has fans buzzing with anticipation. Ghost of Yōtei launches exclusively on PlayStation 5 on October 2, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates in our article below!