Yesterday, Sony garnered a lot of attention. We had the official State of Play stream, which gave us a new look at some exciting game announcements and updates. But, like with any big showcase, there was a lot of hype over what would be the final game showcased. The show closer needs to be a big one, and Sony took the opportunity to highlight Ghost of Yotei.
After the success with Ghost of Tsushima, the development team at Sucker Punch wanted to bring out another installment. However, this would be a different experience and not something directly following the previous game’s events. Instead, we’re getting a story set 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. But don’t expect this game to be the last of this franchise.
Ghost of Tsushima is no longer a standalone game installment but the start of a franchise. A new report from the New York Times noted that the developers have additional spinoffs in the works alongside the movie adaptation. So, fans who enjoyed that first game will hopefully see the IP have some longevity with several new installments and storylines.
Developers have already explained why they started fresh with Ghost of Yotei. However, we learned a little more about some of the inspirations behind this installment. The New York Times publication spoke with Nate Fox and Jason Connell, the creative directors behind Ghost of Tsushima and the upcoming Ghost of Yotei. During their conversation, they noted the urge to create an experience that helps transport players to the romance and beauty of feudal Japan.
A large part of the game so far highlights Mount Yotei. Developers noted that they had teams travel to Japan and explore the area. During their journey to the mountain, visitors needed to worry about their footing in this mountainous area and wildlife. It was stated that visitors who head to the mountain must watch a video highlighting the dangers of bears within the park. As a result, Sucker Punch wanted to ensure the game had this sense of beauty and danger, much like how the mountain is today.
Inside the park, you have to watch a video telling you about the dangers of bears. Being in this incredibly beautiful park with jagged cliffs and water, yet all the time being aware there were dangerous bears, was electrifying. We strive to bring that into the video game — that feeling of danger. – Nate Fox
Ghost of Yotei doesn’t have a release date yet. However, it’s slated to launch for the PlayStation 5 platform sometime in 2025.