Summary
Former Sony executive Shawn Layden has spoken out against the controversy surroundingGhost of Yotei’s new female protagonist. The sequel toGhost of Tsushima,Ghost of Yotei, was announced during the September 24 State of Play that Sony hosted.Ghost of Tsushimawas a hit by longtime developer Sucker Punch Productions. Although there aren’t many details aboutGhost of Yoteifollowing its announcement, it has attracted the ire of some communities.
Some people have responded negatively to theannouncement ofGhost of Yotei.Many were fairly upset about the fact that this game would not be a direct sequel toGhost of Tsushima, a narrative they were already invested in. However, other people voiced resentment over the fact that this game’s protagonist would be a woman.Ghost of Yotei’s main character, Atsu, will offer a different perspective on the journey of a “Ghost” within the context of this game’s world, and Sucker Punch has voiced its excitement about bringing this project to the players.
In response to the negative reception ofGhost of Yotei’s reveal, PlayStation alumnus Shawn Layden recommends that people use their personal judgment and common sense.Layden respondedto a screenshot that YouTuber MightyKeef took of the outrage, stating that the team at Sucker Punch truly wants to make this game. He follows up by suggesting that if someone doesn’t like what that team is making, they should avoid the game. Alternatively, they could even try making their own video game.
Shawn Layden Defends Sucker Punch Productions
Shawn Layden followed up the exchange with a GIF quotingZoolander, saying “I feel like I’m taking crazy pills,” poking fun at how intense discourse surrounding this game has become so soon. Layden, who has served asCEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, is deeply familiar with the factors that influence game development. It is reasonable to take his word for it when he says thatGhost of Yoteiis “a story a team of creators believes in.” His sentiment makes it clear that if some people disagree with that vision, it won’t stop the game from getting made.
The outrage stemming from the reveal of this game cites discontent at media encroaching on masculinity, suggesting that it’s being “replaced by women.” This is a statement that many familiar withGhost of Tsushimafind confusing, because some of the strongest characters in its cast, such as Masako Adachi, who almost kills Jin the first time they meet, are women.Masako’s story is central to the narrative, and that’s just one example. The involvement of women within the context of theGhostseries doesn’t appear to be changing anytime soon.
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.
