Summary
During this week’s State of Play,developer Sucker Punch revealed the upcoming Ghost of Tsushima sequel—Ghost of Yotei. Set 300 years after the first game,it follows Atsu, played by the talented comic and actor Erika Ishii. But because Ishii is A) genderfluid, and B) playing a woman, corners of the internet are of course outraged.
When Ishii announced that they’re playing Atsu in Ghost of Yotei, comments poured in saying that the game must be “woke”, calling them an “LGBT weirdo”, making jabs at their gender, appearance, and even going as far as to say “fu** you and the LGBTQ”. Many of these were, understandably, blocked, so looking at their comments now you’ll find nothing but overwhelming support and excitement.
However, things are still dire over on Sucker Punch’s official announcement, where commenters are calling the game “Ghost of Wokei” and even dropping the f-slur, egging Ishii to block them too. It’s a mess. But those same people harassing Ishii online and even asking to be blocked are now angry that they were cut off; “That will work wonders for the game. I am sure”.
Ghost Of Yotei Isn’t “Cooked”, It’ll Be Fine
Ghost of Tsushimawas an incredible success for Sony,even sparking a movie adaptation from John Wick director Chad Stahleski. I doubt this small internet bubble of canned outrage will have any meaningful impact.
Nonetheless, people are writing entire blog posts about how Ishii is a “radical activist”, saying that Ghost of Yotei is “cooked” just because Ishii is LGBTQ+. YouTubers likewise are stoking the flames, calling Ishii “woke and unhinged”. All while writing the game off just because you have to play as a woman.
Infamous Twitch streamer Asmongold was likewise angry at the reveal, asking if he can play as a man while also wearing cat ears.
Thankfully, Ishii is taking it in their stride. On top of blocking all of those perpetuating the faux outrage at the existence of a woman — after having used Ghost of Tsushima in a culture war againstAssassin’s Creed Shadowsonlythis year —they retweeted fan art of Atsu, celebrating something that they have “dreamed of [their] entire life”.
Ghost of Yotei
WHERE TO PLAY
Discover a bold, new story of a warrior in Japan who is on a mission of vengeance all her own.Set 300 years after the critically acclaimed Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yōtei is standalone experience set in 1600s rural Japan. The story follows a haunted, lone mercenary named Atsu. Thirsty for revenge, she travels through the beautiful, rugged landscapes of northern Japan, hunting those who killed her family many years earlier.
