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The recent reveal ofGhost of Yotei, the highly anticipated sequel to Sucker Punch’s 2020 hitGhost of Tsushima, has been met with excitement from fans eager to return to the beautifully designed world of feudal Japan.
However, amidst the hype, a vocal minority has emerged, criticizing the game for its decision to introduce a new female protagonist, Atsu, instead of continuing Jin Sakai’s story.
But before we grab our pitchforks and join the angry mob, let’s take a step back and consider the bigger picture. Is a change in protagonist really a death sentence for a sequel, or are these knee-jerk reactions simply a case of misplaced outrage?
TheRed Dead RedemptionEffect
To put things into perspective, let’s look at another critically acclaimed series that dared to switch things up:Red Dead Redemption. When Rockstar Games announced thatRed Dead Redemption 2would feature a new protagonist, Arthur Morgan, instead of the beloved John Marston from the first game, some fans were skeptical.
“GHOST OF YŌTEI will be bad because the game doesn’t have the same protagonists"Ummm…pic.twitter.com/8RtP1dFuCW
But what happened when the game finally released? Arthur Morgan quickly became one of the most beloved video game characters of all time, with many fans even preferring him to John Marston. The change in protagonist didn’t diminish the game’s success; if anything, it added depth and nuance to an already rich narrative!
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So why are these “fans” so quick to dismissGhost of Yotei‘s Atsu based on a single announcement trailer? As one astute Twitter user pointed out, the knee-jerk reaction to a female lead seems to stem from a misguided notion of “wokeness”:
Oh its a woman.. It MuSt Be WoKe..
It’s a sentiment that, unfortunately, seems all too common these days. As another user lamented:
Its gotten to the point where they don’t even know what they are saying.
It’s a tired argument that’s been trotted out time and time again, and frankly—it’s getting old.
Trusting in Sucker Punch’s Vision
Rather than jumping to conclusions, perhaps we should have faith inSucker Punch‘s creative vision. In a recent PlayStation Blogpost, the studio shed some light on their decision to introduce a new protagonist:
To create something fresh but familiar, we looked beyond Jin Sakai’s story and the island of Tsushima, and shifted our focus to the idea of the Ghost instead.
At Sucker Punch we love origin stories, and we wanted to explore what it could mean to have a new hero wearing a Ghost mask, and uncovering a new legend.
This, most definitely, isn’t a decision made lightly or for the sake of “wokeness.” It’s a creative choice driven by a desire to explore new stories and expand the world ofGhost of Tsushimain meaningful ways. And let’s not forget—this is the same studio that gave us Jin Sakai in the first place.
If they could create such a compelling and nuanced character once, who’s to say they can’t do it again with Atsu?
Ghost of Yotei Finds Support in Ex-Sony Exec as Rabid Fans Forget it Was a Woman Who Almost Killed Jin in Tsushima
As for those still clinging to the idea that a female protagonist is somehow a detriment to the game, perhaps it’s time to reevaluate those biases. After all, as one Twitter user humorously pointed out:
can’t imagine what it would be like if tomb raider came out today instead of 1996
The gaming landscape is evolving, and with it, so too are the stories and characters we encounter. Rather than dismissingGhost of Yotei‘s Atsu based on her gender, let’s embrace the opportunity to experience a new perspective in a world we’ve come to love.
Who knows? Maybe, like Arthur Morgan before her, Atsu will become a fan-favorite in her own right. Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure: the haters should at least give her a chance before writing her off.
What do you think about the backlash surroundingGhost of Yotei‘s new protagonist? Are you excited to see what Sucker Punch has in store for Atsu’s story, or do you think the series should have stuck with Jin Sakai? Let us know in the comments below!
Soumyajit Mukherjee
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :966
Soumyajit Mukherjee is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire, known for his deep dives into tactical shooters and co-op games. Since joining in June 2024, he’s focused on breakout multiplayer titles like Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals, bringing sharp analysis and veteran instincts to every story. His gaming journey began at a local café with the OG Modern Warfare 2, and from that very first frag, he’s been chasing the rush ever since.A former competitive Rainbow Six Siege team captain, Soumyajit has played and written about everything from CS:GO, Valorant, Overwatch, and Apex Legends to Rocket League, Call of Duty, and Battlefield. He’s proudly PC-first and has been since said LAN days… but with GTA 6 looming on the horizon, a long-overdue PS5 might finally sneak onto his setup.
