Ghost of Yotei is facing backlash from fans, as they boycott the game over producer Brian Flemming’s comments on the recent dismissal of artist Drew Harrison.
Several members of the Reset Era forums have opted to boycott Ghost of Yotei over their disappointment with producer Brian Flemming’s comments on the recent dismissal of artist Drew Harrison during a recent interview. He was asked about the former Sucker Punch Productions character artist’s controversial social media remarks on the death of activist Charlie Kirk, and her subsequent firing. “The facts are accurate,” he said in response.
“Drew’s no longer an employee here,” said Flemming. “I think we’re aligned as a studio that celebrating or making light of someone’s murder is a deal-breaker for us, and we condemn that, kind of in no uncertain terms. That’s sort of our studio, and that’s kind of where we are.”
Flemming’s statement has not been received well by fans, who have opted to boycott Ghost of Yotei altogether. “And I’m not buying your game”, said one Reset Era member. Another said, “Yotei looking like an immediate no.” One member called for others to boycott with them, saying that anyone who buys the game is “enabling fascism”. Another member mentioned that Sony Interactive Entertainment’s first-party releases are the highlight of their year when they launch, and that they really enjoyed Ghost of Tsushima. Despite that, they have decided to skip Ghost of Yotei as a result of Flemming’s comments, which they can’t support.
In their post, one Reset Era member highlighted that all firing Harrison has done is “legitimize scum who are now going extra hard in using Ghost of Yotei as a rallying point for Charlie martyrdom and anti-woke nonsense.” “A truly idiotic response to an even more idiotic termination,” said another member.
In her social media post on Blue Sky, Harrison had said, “I hope the shooter’s name is Mario so that Luigi knows his bro got his back.” She wa likely reported to Sony Interactive Entertainment or Sucker Punch Productions, which led to her firing from Sucker Punch. She further said that if “standing up against fascism” is what ends up costing her the dream job she has held for 10 years, she would “do it again 100x stronger.”
