Ghost of Yotei Will Always Remain in Japan

The Ghost series became Sucker Punch’s new brand, marking the PlayStation era after Sly Cooper and Infamous. This journey, which began with Ghost of Tsushima, will continue with the upcoming Ghost of Yotei. However, there was a question about the series’ future: Could Ghost games be ported outside of Japan? The studio’s response was quite clear.

The Ghost Series Will Not Leave Japan

Speaking at a roundtable discussion during the Tokyo Game Show, Sucker Punch studio head Brian Fleming stated that the series’ identity is tied to Japan. According to Fleming, bringing a Ghost game outside of Japan would mean losing touch with the brand’s core. “The essence of Ghost is the katana,” Fleming said, emphasizing that this experience cannot be transferred to another culture, such as feudal Europe.

Fleming stated that not only katanas but also Japan’s natural beauty are a fundamental element of the series. He believes the Ghost brand is built on creating an open-world adventure in a Japanese setting. Therefore, while different eras and regions can be explored, there’s no possibility of straying too far from Japan.

Similar statements were made last year when Ghost of Yotei was announced. With Jin Sakai replaced by new protagonist Atsu, the studio emphasized the centrality of the “Ghost mask” and “Ghost’s spirit.” It seems Japan is positioned as an integral part of this identity.

This decision was also well-received by the Japanese gaming community. Particularly following the announcements made at the Tokyo Game Show, the vast majority of fans expressed their satisfaction with the series’ continued presence in Japan. Thus, the Ghost brand’s roadmap was clarified, both aesthetically and culturally.

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