Sucker Punch Confirms Ghost Franchise Will Remain Exclusively Japanese

Sucker Punch Stays True to Ghost's Japanese Roots

Sucker Punch Productions, the studio behind the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, has affirmed its commitment to the Japanese setting for its "Ghost" franchise. Speaking to the press ahead of the upcoming release of Ghost of Yōtei, studio head Brian Fleming made it clear that certain established characteristics of the series are non-negotiable for the development team.

Players should not anticipate a change of scenery to, say, a "Ghost of Mont Blanc." The series, Fleming stated, will not venture beyond its deeply ingrained Japanese setting.

The narrative essence of the Ghost games revolves around the idea that "a man once lived who himself became a myth." From a gameplay perspective, Fleming elaborated that the "Ghost" experience centers on a hero wielding a katana in feudal Japan.

"We believe that the essence of Ghost is a warrior with a katana. It's an integral part of the franchise's identity," Fleming explained. "We can't imagine a Ghost series game set, for example, in feudal Europe—it just doesn't make sense. There are plenty of games like that already, but that's not what Ghost is."

Another crucial element of the Ghost series is the stunning natural beauty of Japan. Sucker Punch dedicates significant attention to this aspect, even organizing work trips to the Land of the Rising Sun to personally experience its majestic landscapes. The core of any future "Ghost" project will always involve an open world and a katana-driven adventure, in one form or another.

"We might change historical periods, and perhaps explore other locations [within Japan], but I think there are certain boundaries we will most likely not cross," Fleming added.

Fleming's remarks indicate that Sucker Punch plans to continue developing the Ghost franchise for the foreseeable future. For now, gamers can look forward to the imminent launch of Ghost of Yōtei, an exciting new story of revenge set to arrive on PlayStation 5 starting October 2.

This commitment means players can expect a consistent and deeply immersive experience, rooted in the rich history, culture, and stunning visuals of Japan, for all future installments of the beloved Ghost series.