In the Wake of Ghost of Tsushima’s Success, Sucker Punch Unveils Ghost of Yōtei, the Anticipated Standalone Sequel Set in the Snowy Izu Mountains of 1603

In a new interview on Variety, directors of the game, Charles Jones and Nate Fox, opened up about the development of the vast open world, the secrets behind creating the new protagonist "Atsu," and the challenges they faced in blending traditional samurai combat techniques with gunpowder weapons.

While you can check out the full interview here, we've summarized the key points from the discussion as follows:

Summary of Ghost of Yōtei Developers’ Interview

• The game takes place 329 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima, during the early Edo period in the Izu region (now Hokkaido).
• The new protagonist, "Atsu," embarks on a vengeful journey after a tragic loss in her youth, hunting down members of the Yōtei Six.
• The game builds upon the elements of Ghost of Tsushima, with combat inspired by samurai films, a vast open world, and rewarding exploration.
• The original story focuses on a character who despises tradition but evolves into a symbol of vengeance akin to the Japanese legend Onryō.
• During a visit to Hokkaido, the development team discovered the contrasting beauty and imminent danger within the snowy forests and mountains.
• Combat mechanics have been expanded to include gunpowder use, along with new weapons such as shields, the dual-wielded Kusarigama, and the Yari spear.
• Players will be able to learn weapon techniques from masters within the world, enhancing the sense of personal growth as a martial artist.
• The open-world design is the largest in Sucker Punch studio’s history, featuring diverse environments, climates, and landscapes.
• The sound system provides a cinematic atmosphere with effects that highlight nature’s details, such as the howling winds and the breaking of branches.
• The team drew inspiration from Akira Kurosawa’s works, such as Yojimbo, to deepen the sense of a wandering mercenary adventure.
• The producers aim to make the characters relatable despite the simplicity of the historical setting, with a focus on personal development and player reactions.
• The developers promised an immersive experience, combining exceptional combat control and a direct sense of player agency.
• Ghost of Yōtei represents a new chapter in the Ghost universe, blending authenticity with innovation while respecting tradition and surprising the audience with a new face.
• The game will be released exclusively on PS5, with special support for the mid-gen PS5 Pro on October 2, 2025.

What do you think of the developers' statements, and do you believe Ghost of Yōtei will achieve the same success that Ghost of Tsushima did before it? Share your honest opinion with us.