Yotei Ghost Story Thrives in Hokkaido's Wild Beauty

Sucker Punch, the creators of Ghost of Yōtei, explain their decision to set the game in Hokkaido. Discover how they meticulously recreated the region and what inspired them during their research trips to Japan.

Why Hokkaido Became the Primary Setting for Ghost of Yōtei

Blending Authenticity with Fictional Narrative

Ghost of Yōtei transports players to Ezo (modern-day Hokkaido), faithfully recreating real Japanese locations. Sucker Punch's Game Director Nate Fox detailed their selection process in a May 15 PlayStation Blog post, revealing why Hokkaido serves as the backdrop for protagonist Atsu's adventure.

This approach isn't new for Sucker Punch—they previously brought Tsushima Island to life in the first Ghost game, earning acclaim from Japanese critics. Their commitment to authenticity even earned Fox and Creative Director Jason Connell ambassadorial titles from Tsushima Island for highlighting its cultural heritage.

In 2021, Tsushima Mayor Naoki Hitakatsu praised their work: "Many Japanese don't know our Genko period history, let alone global audiences. Their stunning visuals and storytelling introduced Tsushima to the world." The team maintains this meticulous approach for Ghost of Yōtei, aiming to balance historical authenticity with compelling fiction.

Fox explains Hokkaido's selection: "Its breathtaking landscapes and 1603 frontier status make it ideal for Atsu's revenge tale. A ghost story deserves a dramatic setting that shapes how others perceive her."

Where Beauty Meets Peril

Fox describes their two research trips to Japan as highlights of development. At Shiretoko National Park, they found the perfect balance of scenic wonder and inherent danger that defines Hokkaido's character.

"The coexistence of stunning vistas and wildlife threats created this visceral contrast—exactly what we wanted to capture," Fox notes. "That's when Hokkaido confirmed itself as our setting."

The team also studied Mt. Yōtei, revered as "Machineshir" (Female Mountain) by Hokkaido's indigenous Ainu people. This sacred peak became both a symbol of the region and a narrative touchstone for Atsu's lost family.

Fox reflects: "Conversations with locals and immersive experiences helped us distill Hokkaido's essence. As outsiders, we're acutely aware of cultural gaps we're working to bridge." More details on their cultural consultation process will follow.

Slated as Sucker Punch's most ambitious project, Ghost of Yōtei launches October 2, 2025, exclusively for PlayStation 5. Stay updated on the latest developments via our coverage below.