Sucker Punch's Silence: Ghost of Tsushima 2 & Future Games
Last Updated: October 20, 2025
In the ever-churning world of game development, few studios command the level of quiet respect and intense anticipation currently held by Sucker Punch Productions. After delivering a generation-defining masterpiece with 2020's Ghost of Tsushima, the PlayStation studio has ascended to the highest echelon of creators. The game wasn't just a commercial and critical success; it was a cultural phenomenon that has only grown with the release of the Director's Cut and a stellar 2024 PC port that introduced a new legion of fans to Jin Sakai's journey. Now, as the industry buzzes with rumors and the PlayStation 5 is in full swing, all eyes are on the Bellevue-based studio. The question on everyone's mind is simple: What comes next?
The Weight of a Masterpiece: The Ghost of Tsushima Sequel
Let’s address the majestic, katana-wielding elephant in the room. The monumental success of Ghost of Tsushima makes a sequel not just likely, but practically a foregone conclusion. The original game sold over 9.73 million copies by July 2022, and with the recent PC release, that number is significantly higher. It established a powerful new IP for Sony, blending breathtaking art direction with satisfying, visceral combat. The pressure to follow up such a masterpiece is immense, but clues suggest the studio is well on its way.
For years, eagle-eyed fans have pointed to Sucker Punch’s job listings as smoke signals from their silent development dojo. Postings have repeatedly called for designers with a deep understanding of melee combat and stealth mechanics, and writers with a keen interest in feudal Japanese history. One notable listing sought a Senior Combat Designer specifically to "focus on melee combat and stealth." This isn't for a new Infamous title. This is the DNA of Ghost of Tsushima.
Speculation about the narrative is rampant. Will we continue the story of Jin Sakai as he fully embraces his role as the Ghost, further clashing with the samurai code and the mainland Shogunate? Or will the series take an anthology approach, exploring a different time period or conflict in Japanese history? The Mongol invasions of Japan were a multi-decade affair, leaving plenty of fertile ground for new stories. Fans have theorized a move to the mainland, or even a focus on the second Mongol invasion attempt. Whatever the path, expectations are stratospheric for more of the stunning vistas, compelling character arcs, and satisfying parries that defined the original.
A Return to the Past? The Enduring Legacy of Infamous and Sly Cooper
While a journey back to feudal Japan seems the most logical path, one can't discount Sucker Punch's rich and varied history. Before they were masters of the samurai epic, they were renowned for the vibrant platforming of Sly Cooper and the superhero morality plays of the Infamous series. These franchises still hold a special place in the hearts of long-time PlayStation fans, and whispers of their return never truly fade.
The Infamous series, in particular, feels ripe for a modern revival on the PS5. The dualistic karma system and exhilarating traversal mechanics could be reimagined in incredible ways with the power of new hardware. While Sucker Punch themselves seem wholly focused on their new historical IP, the enduring love for Cole MacGrath and Delsin Rowe means a return to that universe—perhaps by another trusted Sony studio—remains a persistent hope within the community. For now, however, it seems the conduits are on hold as the way of the samurai takes precedence.
Navigating the Modern Gaming Landscape: The Pressure of Expectation
The modern AAA development landscape is a trial by fire. It's no longer enough to simply create a brilliant game; studios must navigate years of intense public scrutiny and manage sky-high expectations built on their own success. Sucker Punch finds itself in this very position.
Having delivered a game as polished and beloved as Ghost of Tsushima, their next project will be one of the most anticipated and dissected releases of this console generation.
This is the new balancing act. The studio must innovate and push boundaries while retaining the core essence of what made the original special. They are no longer the underdog; they are a premiere Sony studio responsible for a system-selling franchise. Every trailer will be analyzed frame-by-frame, every gameplay reveal compared meticulously to the original. It’s a delicate dance, balancing the creative freedom that fuels groundbreaking experiences with the immense corporate and fan expectations that accompany a multi-million-selling IP.
For Sucker Punch, the path forward is clear: continue to focus on delivering the exceptional, meticulously crafted experience they are known for. The gaming community, while hungry for information, ultimately judges studios on the quality of their output. The deafening silence from the studio isn't a cause for concern; it's a sign of a team hard at work, polishing every texture and perfecting every animation. This quiet confidence, earned over decades of delivering memorable adventures, is why the anticipation for their next game is so palpable. When they are finally ready to draw their sword and show the world what they’ve been creating, it will undoubtedly be an event worth the wait.