Ghost of Yotei, the successor to Ghost of Tsushima, has stirred both excitement and controversy with its female lead, Atsu. Set for release on October 2nd, 2025, this new chapter takes place 300 years after Jin Sakai’s journey. But why did Sucker Punch choose a female protagonist and what do the community say about this? Let’s find out!
Why Atsu Was the Perfect Cultural Fit for Ghost of Yotei
When developers Jason Connell and Nate Fox chose Atsu as the protagonist, they weren’t just checking the diversity boxes. The decision was deeply rooted in Japanese culture and storytelling traditions. During the latest interview with Variety, the developers explained that in Japanese folklore, “Onryo” refers to vengeful spirits seeking payback, traditionally female characters. As Atsu will adopt the title “The Onryo” during her journey, this cultural connection makes perfect sense.
“Onryo are typically stories of vengeance from females,” explained Connell in the interview. This authentic cultural background gives Atsu’s character real depth, and not just a gender change.
The developers wanted Ghost of Yotei to tell a fresh story, while still maintaining what fans loved about Ghost of Tsushima. Unlike Jin Sakai, who came from a noble samurai family, Atsu represents an underdog perspective in feudal Japan.
As we all know, the game is set in 1603 around Mount Yotei in Ezo (now Hokkaido). It takes place in a tough and dangerous land where people wouldn’t expect a woman to grow strong and powerful. It happens during the start of the Tokugawa shogunate, a key time in Japan’s history, and may also include parts of Ainu culture from the area. The game brings in new ways to play, like using Atsu’s shamisen and firearm in combat.
The Controversy Behind the Ghost of Yotei Female Protagonist
The announcement of Ghost of Totei having a female protagonist got mixed reactions from gaming communities. Some critics quickly accused the game of pushing a political agenda. Players expressed disappointment about Jin Sakai’s absence in the game, saying:
“What happened to Jin? He was the perfect protagonist.”
“Genderfluid samurai, how very current day.”
“Female ronin weren’t common in feudal Japan.”
Former Sony exec Shawn Layden responded to the backlash with a simple message: “It’s a game. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. In fact, why not make the game you want yourself?” And actually, there were female warriors in feudal Japan. They’re called the Onna-Bugeisha or Onna-Musha. These women trained in combat and fought in battles alongside male samurai.
However, many fans have embraced Atsu and the new direction, saying:
“‘Ghost of’ was the best idea to stick with, this way they can tell loads of different stories, from different eras, showing pretty cool characters.”
“1603 is the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate and Yotei is in Hokkaido. Exciting stuff, lots to explore!”
Several players have also pointed out that Ghost of Tsushima already featured strong female characters like Masako Adachi and Yuna. Moreover, Actor Erika Ishii shared her excitement on social media: “I’ve dreamed of this my entire life. But I still can’t believe I’m part of art like this. I am the Ghost of Yotei.”
At the end of the day, what matters most is if Ghost of Yotei offers a great story and enjoyable gameplay. I think having a female lead tied to Japanese folklore fits perfectly with the story. Like any form of art, games should be free to explore different viewpoints.
Ghost of Tsushima was great because of its stunning world, smooth combat, and powerful story, not just because Jin was the main character. If Sucker Punch brings that same level of quality to Atsu’s journey, I believe both new and old fans will find something to love in Ghost of Yotei. If you are interested in playing the game, we have the guide on how to pre-order Ghost of Yotei.
