When GI acquired our PlayStation 4, we bought games that were perfect for it. Among those games was the critically acclaimed Ghosts of Tsushima, developed by Sony’s Sucker 
Punch Productions. Although we don’t have a lot of time to continue playing (life’s gonna life), the visuals, story and detail to authenticity of Ghost of Tsushima earned Lyndsey and I’s respect as a game that deserves its place among samurai masterpieces in video games.
When I heard that sequel Ghost of Yotei was in development, I began to consider plans to acquire a PS5 while praying to the video game gods that Sucker Punch would allow a version for PS4. This will be a glorious turn of events except that a troubling sector of geekdom aka Sons of Gamergate has risen their heads to attack the game, solely for the main character and its voice actor. This might spoil what is otherwise a joyous occasion.
When Ghost of Tsushima’s directors Nate Fox and Jason Connell announced that Yotei was in development in September 2024, I was psyched. A game inspired by the works of film director Akira Kurosawa that is half movie, half game, I felt that Ghost of Tsushima grabbed my attention and kept it with solid gameplay and style. I was also sold that Erika Ishii was chosen to play the main character, Atsu. However, when Ishii was announced, neckbeards, gamerbros and other moronic elements cried foul and began their uncoordinated, scattered plans to shoot down one of Ishii’s biggest moments in the limelight.
Ishii, known for their roles in Mobile Suit Gundam Narrative, Mortal Kombat One, Young
Erika Ishii, courtesy of IMDB.com
Justice: Phantoms and the Crisis on Infinite Earths trilogy, took preemptive action, blocking their personal social media accounts and refocusing their attention on other projects. The alliance of Sons of Gamergate continues their negative campaign urging other gamers and geeks to boycott projects that Ishii is involved or was previously involved in and made statements calling them a “DEI (diversity, equity, inclusion) hire,” “snowflake,” and “social justice warrior.” When this foolishness arises, I’ve no choice but to have a fireside chat with these “individuals.” Sons of Gamergate, sit your unwashed, uncultured, unseasoned food-eating asses down.
First, Ghost of Tsushima is a franchise that can stand on its own. Ishii, like other actors, auditioned for the part and was chosen by the directors for their talent. Second, unlike you morons, she has various skills for acting that includes dialect speech and was trained in song and various instruments.
Second, you neckbeards love Call of Duty, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Halo Infinite and Mortal Kombat One right? Ishii has made their impact in each franchise because of their knowledge of various combat arts including boxing and swordplay. As you try to run to your hate-filled, incel-approved bunkers, I enjoy informing you that Ishii has ventured into Marvel and DC territory with voice acting and as a presenter who interviewed Simu Liu and Taika Waititi at Marvel premieres, resulting in big wins for them. It also created other opportunities through other companies coming to them to have projects shine.
Third, while you huddle among your con-crud, no hygiene selves and try to play Dungeons & Dragons, Ishii’s got that on lock as well, being a seasoned tabletop veteran. They have also been a Dungeon Master, and presenter-producer on shows like Critical Role and Geek and Sundry. Also, I preemptively confiscated your waifu/husbando pillows of various Gundam models and characters such as Char Aznable because Ishii has stated her love of Gundam is so strong that she would live in a Gundam. Sorry not sorry, lads. As for the claims of Ishii being labeled the previously mentioned insults, they, like you knuckleheads, have the right to free speech in this country if they were not encouraging physical harm to others. In 2020, they like many other Americans were shocked to their core with the murder of George Floyd by police combined with discrimination against Asian-Americans and other minorities. Ishii used (and still uses their platform) to speak for those who are harmed by social injustice.
Sons of Gamergate, your attempts at stopping Ghost of Yotei and Erika Ishii are absolutely pathetic. I must also inform you and your band of brothers that many geeks do not condone your foolishness and will oppose you; GI is amongst this majority. As you leave this chat (Hudson Thames, I’m looking at you), shut the hell up about “Your friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” not being DEI and woke. You were given a golden opportunity to voice an iconic character that other respected talent, such as Christopher Daniel Barnes, Josh Keaton and Yuri Lowenthal, had to audition heavy for. Zip it and put respect on Marvel’s and your fellow colleagues’ names. I make this statement on Charles Xavier and Stan Lee. Excelsior!
Brandon Beatty is editor-at-large of Gaming Insurrection. He can be reached by email at brandonb@gaminginsurrection.com
