GAMERTIMES

Ghost of Yotei, the upcoming open-world adventure from Sucker Punch, is set to launch later this year. Much like its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima, the developers aim to “deliver a respectful representation” of Japan, despite being a US-based team.

Sucker Punch has emphasized cultural sensitivity throughout the development process. “As an American, I had primarily seen the country through the lens of beloved classic samurai movies,” shared game director Nate Fox in a PlayStation Blog post. “But actually going there, feeling the wind on your face, smelling pine forests, and meeting locals is deeply inspiring.”

For Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch once again turned to cultural advisors to ensure authenticity. This approach was critical in the original Ghost of Tsushima, where the team balanced historical accuracy with a fictional narrative set in a digital recreation of Tsushima Island. “Listening to our cultural advisors and by doing research” was essential, Fox explained.

The new game’s setting in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, was chosen for its “natural beauty and a sense of danger,” making it a perfect backdrop for the story. Sucker Punch’s team undertook “two reference gathering trips” to the region, immersing themselves in the local culture and landscape.

One standout location was Mount Yotei, a mountain known as “the Female Mountain” in Ainu culture. “Hearing the Ainu name for the mountain really bonded it to Atsu. For us, Yotei became a symbol of Hokkaido. While for Atsu, it’s a symbol of home and of the family she lost,” Fox explained.

Reflecting on their journey, Fox acknowledged the team’s awareness of their cultural limitations. “As a bunch of Americans, we knew how ignorant we were about Japanese culture. To help start to solve that problem, we met with a wealth of knowledgeable individuals and visited important cultural sites.”

Sucker Punch’s commitment to cultural authenticity has previously been recognized — in 2021, Fox and creative director Jason Connell were appointed permanent tourism ambassadors for Tsushima Island. This dedication is evident in Ghost of Yotei, and it remains to be seen if the new game will receive similar recognition.

Via: Gamesradar