Following a lengthy development cycle, Sucker Punch scored another major hit when it released the open world action game, Ghost of Tsushima in July of 2020. Scoring well with critics and fans alike, the title won multiple end of year awards and went on to become a best seller on the PlayStation 4. In addition, Sucker Punch continued to improve the experience after launch, releasing a massive content pack centered around a new co-op experience completely for free.
While the game went on to become the fastest selling first party original IP, Ghost of Tsushima has also had a significant real world impact as well. In fact, the Tsushima Island Tourism Board partnered with Sucker Punch, creating a website promoting both the game and the real world inspirations and landmarks featured. A few months later after a devastating Typhoon hit Tsushima Island, a torii gate at the Watatsumi Shrine was heavily damaged. Thanks to the popularity of the game, a crowdfunding campaign to repair the structure exceeded the asking amount of 5 million yen or around $47,000 by 500%. The shrine was able to pull in over a quarter-million dollars from generous fans and others.
As it stands, the Island of Tsushima isn't yet done with Sucker Punch. Tsushima mayor Hiroki Hitakatsu announced earlier this week that Ghost of Tsushima game director Nate Fox and creative director Jason Connell are being named permanent tourism ambassadors. While the ceremony would be held in person under normal circumstances, it will instead be held digitally due to travel restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Once restrictions are listed, Mayor Hitakatsu plans to invite the entire Sucker Punch team to visit the island.
Fox and Connell will be receiving an award and letter of appreciation thanks to their work for helping to spread the name and history of Tsushima to the world "in a wonderful way." Mayor Hitakatsu also confirmed that while the title has been given to notable Japanese individuals in the past, this is the first time this recognition has been given to someone who has promoted the island through their work.
I did not appoint them for the purpose of having them do anything in the future. Thanks to the two of them, Sucker Punch Productions, and SIE, I have heard from people all over the world who have learned about Tsushima through their works, and now want to see, know, and go to Tsushima.
This most recent accolade is another jewel in the game's already packed crown. While fans aren't sure what Sucker Punch is planning next, many are hoping that Ghost of Tsushima is getting a PS5 upgrade soon. With Sony bringing more of its first party games to the PC and places like Steam, some fans are curious if this title will also be a candidate for release there as well.
Ghost of Tsushima is available now on PS4.
Source: VideoGamesChronicle