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Ghost of Yotei Faces Backlash Over 'Woke' Protagonist

10/12/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The release of Ghost of Yotei, a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, has sparked controversy among right-wing gamers who claim a woke agenda.
Atsu, the female protagonist seeking revenge, is cited as a factor as critics argue her gender detracts from quality.
Critics including former game executive Mark Kern say these design choices reflect tensions around diverse characters, and the backlash raises concerns it could influence future game development.

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Story summary

The release of Ghost of Yotei, a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, has sparked controversy among right-wing gamers who claim a woke agenda.
Atsu, the female protagonist seeking revenge, is cited as a factor as critics argue her gender detracts from quality.
Critics including former game executive Mark Kern say these design choices reflect tensions around diverse characters, and the backlash raises concerns it could influence future game development.