The financial investment for Ghost of Yotei is roughly equivalent to that of the prior title, Ghost of Tsushima, as stated by Sucker Punch’s studio head Brian Fleming. This new addition to the acclaimed feudal Japan-based series is highly anticipated and is scheduled for release on October 2, 2025. The budget allocation is expected to enhance the game’s impact significantly.

In a recent GameFile interview, Fleming noted that the expenses for developing Ghost of Tsushima and its upcoming sequel are quite similar. Estimates suggest that the budget for Ghost of Tsushima was around $60 million, which is relatively small for a major AAA title. Fleming mentioned, “When we look at the financials and the costs, the man years, the amount of months that the team — times the size of the team — worked on it, [it’s] very, very similar, actually.”

With approximately 150-160 developers at their disposal, Sucker Punch’s size enables efficiency and strategic resource management, pushing them toward innovative solutions without waste.

The previous title, Ghost of Tsushima, has sold over 13 million copies and benefited from a recent resurgence, achieving remarkable success after its PC launch. In light of these financial numbers, the studio expects substantial profits from Ghost of Yotei due to its sizeable investment.

However, the game’s upcoming success might be influenced by controversy surrounding its development team, particularly following the termination of Drew Harrison, the lead character artist, after comments relating to the recent assassination of conservative political commentator Charlie Kirk sparked backlash. Reactions from both the left and the right have surfaced, leading some to announce boycotts of Ghost of Yotei. Despite this, the extent and certainty of these boycotts remain unclear.