“They need to subsist off better franchises like a parasite”: Ghost of Yotei Atsu Casting Choice May be Pushing it into the Same Controversy That Killed AC Shadows

After its initial debut, Ghost of Tsushima was given DLCs and enhanced ports for PlayStation 5 and PC. Gamers appreciated the new content but were anxious for a brand-new entry. Those who were eager to learn about the series’ future were undoubtedly filled with joy when Sony announced Ghost of Yotei.

Set 300 years after the events of the first game, Ghost of Yotei will follow the tale of a new protagonist, Atsu, in the year 1603. Developer Sucker Punch Productions wants to shake up the series by following Astu’s perspective on the journey of a Ghost within the game’s world. However, the Sucker Punch’s decision to cast Erika Ishii as Atsu has certainly proven to be controversial.

Gamers Believe Ghost of Yotei‘s Lead Actor is a Wrong Choice

If you’re unaware, Erika Ishii is an LA-born American actor who’s known for playing a number of roles in various sectors, particularly in the world of gaming. Most recently, it was revealed by Sucker Punch that they will be the ones to voice Atsu in Ghost of Yotei.

However, gamers aren’t happy with Ishii playing as Atsu in the upcoming Ghost of Yotei. Over on Reddit, gamers believe that Sucker Punch is trying to push forward the “activist” agenda by casting Ishii, and the game simply didn’t need any kind of inclusion of such people as it disrespects the Japanese culture.

Ghost of Yōtei protagonist Erika Ishii is a activist
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Gamers believe that the inclusion of such “activists” in the game could lead to its downfall, and it must be pushed back like Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows to fix its glaring issues.

If you’ve forgotten, most of the community also bashed Ubisoft for assassinating Japanese culture by casting Yasuke as the main character.

With Ishii’s casting, players believe that Sony is ruining an already-established franchise that had incredible potential.

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One fan believes that Sony’s decision to go woke and abandon Jin’s story, which had potential, would prove to be a major fumble for the franchise.

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Another player states that the fact that Ishii is playing Atsu has already saved them $700 since they won’t be purchasing a PS5 Pro just to play a game like this.

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Few gamers are sad to see that the gaming industry has been “contaminated” with woke ideology.

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Others state that as long as Ishii’s autism doesn’t play into the game in any way or shape, it shouldn’t be a concern, as Atsu seems like an incredible character.

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Before bashing Ishii for being genderfluid or playing a woman character, it’s crucial for gamers to first experience the title and then pass on their judgments. Let’s not forget the fact that Sucker Puncher has chosen her for a reason, they’re an incredible voice actor.

Ishii has appeared in a number of notable titles, right from small unnamed roles to leading characters, proving them a versatile actor in the gaming industry. Ghost of Yotei isn’t doomed or destined to fail just because Ishii is playing the main character.

When is Ghost of Yotei Releasing?

Despite its controversies, Ghost of Yotei looks to a phenomenal follow-up to the 2020 Ghost Tushisma. Ever since the title’s reveal at PlayStation’s State of Play, gamers can’t help but wonder when the game will hit the shelves.

Unfortunately, we still don’t have a release date for Ghost of Yotei. It’s expected to drop sometime in 2025. However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that there’s always a chance of the game getting delayed.

It’s already confirmed that Ghost of Yotei will only debut on the PS5, abandoning the PS4. As with many PlayStation’s first-party games, the title might eventually come to PC at a later date, but it’s going to be a long while before that happens.

With that said, what do you think about Sucker Punch’s decision to cast Ishii as Atsu in the upcoming Ghost of Yotei? Let us know in the comments below.