One of the biggest game confirmations we saw from the PlayStation State Of Play 2024 event this week was the announcement of Ghost of Yotei, however, its female protagonist has distracted many gamers from the phenomenal trailer. Atsu, the Ghost of Yotei character that has fans working on their protest placards and yelling about DEI agendas, was only just introduced, but even the brief glimpse was enough to light the fuse. The reaction has been so dramatic that an ex-Sony exec responded to the Ghost of Yotei backlash by making it clear that if you don’t like the game, you don’t have to buy it. This form of retaliation never goes well.

Shawn Layden, ex-president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, responded to an X/Twitter post discussing the negative reaction stating, “1. It’s a game. An entertainment. A story a team of creators believes in. They want to make this. 2. It’s a game. If you don’t like it, don’t buy it. In fact, why not make the game you want yourself?” Despite the reasonable take on allowing a studio to create the game it wants, many are set to boycott and review-bomb the game everywhere they can.

Sony exec defends Ghost of Yotei

Ghost of Yotei to Feature a Female Protagonist—The End is Nigh

Sucker Punch’s last major success story, Ghost of Tsushima, took us into the world of feudal Japan, submerging us in its stories of the samurai and the complex warrior codes that guide them. The game’s battle style was extremely unique and its design unbelievably gorgeous. Protagonist Jin Sakai left quite an impact on players and echoes of some big shoes to fill for the character who took over in the new spin-off game.

Now we have confirmation that the new Ghost of Yotei game has a female protagonist, so while his shoes might be too big, Atsu is all set to walk her own path. She is to be played by Erika Ishii, known for the Valkyrie role from Apex Legends. The “Ghost of” series has the potential to expand into many unique storylines, and the decision to switch to Atsu this time is a brave one, considering the pervasive fear of “woke” content in all media.

Sucker Punch has not given up too much to go on when it comes to storyline and gameplay so we can’t come right out and say it’s going to be the same game that fans have loved and enjoyed, but considering the team’s own love for the game, it’s unlikely that there are any drastic and unpleasant changes coming with the new protagonist.

All we know is that “In 1603, Atsu sets out on a journey in the lands surrounding Mount Yōtei, an area filled with sprawling grasslands, snowy tundras, and unexpected dangers.” Her shamisen may allow the developers to introduce some new gameplay elements but there is no reason to assume that it is going to be “bad.”

In all honesty, the change in the gender of the main character will very likely be a minor component in the full experience. From the brief glance, we saw in the trailer, the studio has taken a very respectful approach to samurai culture and avoided oversexualizing Atsu’s presence as the Ghost of Yotei character, which could disappoint some of the fans who would have accepted a more overtly “feminine” female lead.

Jin’s mysterious aura is clearly just as alive in Atsu, so if you enjoyed the previous game, you’re likely to enjoy this one by giving it a chance to prove itself beyond any agenda. Ghost of Yotei is expected to follow the tale of an “underdog vengeance” journey, and Sucker Punch appears thrilled at getting to work on another origin story. 

Ghost of Yotei is set in Hokkaido in 1603, about 300 years after the events of Ghost of Tsushima. This means that we could see previously unexplored elements of the Ainu culture in the setting and progression of the game, which will be fascinating to see. The presence of the wolf in the trailer and the hunter-gatherer culture of the native people could perhaps take the game in a very different direction from its predecessor, but it will be exciting nonetheless.

Atsu Ghost of Yotei character

Gamers Voice their Complaints about Ghost of Yotei—But Where’s the Realism?

Even with the Sony exec defending Ghost of Yotei, the comments under the post are filled with responses claiming that the game is set to receive the “Concord treatment.” Sony and Firewalk Studios released and took down Concord within a span of a few weeks because the game was widely derided for being too “woke.” 

Many called Concord’s character designs ugly and boycotted the game for the mere reason that it did not come with attractive characters. Some attempted to disguise their opinion behind the curtains of weak gameplay reviews, but for the large part, the hate came from people who never bothered playing it. 

From the comments on the X/Twitter post, gamers have been shaken by the female protagonist in the Ghost of Yotei trailer enough to already call for the downfall of the game. For a gaming world built on the backs of fantasy, there is very little imagination that’s often to be seen among its players.

Some of the complaints around Ghost of Yotei also revolve around the fact that a female ronin is unrealistic. While it would be entirely acceptable for a fantasy game to have a fantastical lead, many sources online have pointed out that the Onna-musha and Onna-bugeisha were a very real part of Japanese history. These classes of warrior women may not have been as well known or widely common as their male counterparts, but they have long held a spot in the country’s cultural legacy.

Ghost of Yotei complaints

Image: The trailer for the upcoming game looks extremely promising.

It is also strange to see fans of Ghost of Tsushima protest against female characters in the spin-off when those familiar with the game will know that the original game had its fair share of strong female characters. Masako Adachi, the sole survivor of Clan Adachi, had quite a powerful presence in the first game, and so did skilled thief Yuna, who even happened to save the protagonist’s life and guide him through a large part of his journey. The female protagonist in Ghost of Yotei really won’t be all that different. 

Those who have loved the original game and actually watched the trailer for the second one will be hard-pressed to find a genuine explanation for why the second game cannot be just as good as the first. So far, the games look evenly matched.

We’ll be the first to admit that we do not need gender-bent versions of all popular media content. The 2016 Ghostbusters movie was a bust but we were able to make the call after watching the film and seeing how little it had to offer. Maybe the developers of Ghost of Yotei have a story and plan behind their female protagonist and deserve a chance to showcase what they have to say. If Zelda can take the lead with a new game of her own after years of being sidelined, it won’t hurt to give warrior Atsu a shot and see where it goes.

Despite the many criticisms and complaints that users have dished out, we’re beyond excited to see how Sucker Punch’s next game takes shape, regardless of who the protagonist is this time around.

tagged in Atsu Ghost of Yotei character, Ghost of Yotei complaints, Ghost of Yotei female protagonist, Sony exec defends Ghost of Yotei, Sony exec responds Ghost of Yotei backlash
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