Update (11/1/21): Just before Christmas, a story emerged about a torii gate on the real Tsushima island that had been damaged during a typhoon. A crowdfunding campaign was set up to raise money for repairs, and Ghost of Tsushima fans are partly responsible for helping make it a success. Now, the campaign is done, and the final amount raised is just over 27 million yen โ 542 per cent of the initial goal.
According to a new report from Siliconera, repairs to the torii gate are estimated to begin in April of this year, and should be completed sometime in August. That's if COVID-19 doesn't disturb the schedule, of course. Additionally, a stone monument will be put in place, bearing the names of backers who donated at least 10,000 yen. A great end to a lovely story.
Original Story: Though the story and characters are fictional, Ghost of Tsushima is set in a real place. As has been well established, Sucker Punch's open world samurai adventure takes place on the titular island, which really was invaded by the Mongol army in 1274. Much (much!) more recently, the hit game has popularised the location, and Japan is fully aware of this; the Tsushima tourism website heavily features the PlayStation 4 exclusive, after all.
The island's popularity has raised dramatically over the past few months, to the extent that fans of the game are getting involved with events happening in the real world. Earlier this year, a typhoon hit Tsushima, and one of the island's torii gates was heavily damaged as a result. Ghost players will know that these gates lead to Shinto shrines (although the real ones don't grant you powerful Charms). Resident shrine priest Yuichi Hirayama started a Campfire campaign, which is essentially a Kickstarter, in order to raise funds for repairs to the torii.
Asking for 5 million yen, the campaign began on 27th November. With a few weeks still to go, the crowdfunding page has now raised over 20 million yen, more than four times the initial goal. In a Famitsu report (translated by Twinfinite), Yuichi Hirayama writes in an update that a big part of this immense support is down to Ghost of Tsushima fans.
It's great to hear that passionate players have been able to channel their love of the game into something that makes an impact on the real world. Hopefully, once it's safe to travel once again, people will be able to visit Tsushima and see the restored torii gate in all its glory.
How's that for a feel-good story to get you in the holiday spirit?
[source camp-fire.jp, via famitsu.com, twinfinite.net, screenrant.com, siliconera.com]
Comments 23
My horse is suffering in my game!
Just started this game coming from AC Valhalla and every time I try to get on my horse, muscle memory just makes me slash it down ๐ฅบ.
That's cool. I wonder if Sucker Punch has contributed to anything like this. Then again, maybe the game driving so much interest is, in it's own way, contribution enough.
Ghost of tsushima is awesome both in games and real life
That's amazing. Great story! The world needs more of this positive energy and yes this is GOTY for me. Sorry Mr. D
Though I never played any past SP games and this being my first experience with this studio they now are on my studio short list for pre-orders if they release experiences like this in the future.
Stay safe everyone
WHOLESOME!!! Faith in humanity restored to some extent.
@rumple1980 infamous second son is definitely worth picking up. Itโs a really decent action game. The older ones were good as well though could be a bit dated now
Hi there fellow gamers.
This is indeed a very positive and welcome news.
And i do hope one day Iยดll be able to to travel to Tsushima Island and just marvel at those beautiful vistas and take pictures just like i did in the game(6 GB and counting)
Cheers, stay safe and Merry gaming Christmas to us all
Let's just hope that the increased popularity and tourism don't result in the place being trashed, as has happened with several other areas made famous by movies.
Sorry to be a downer, but this year has seen my faith in humans severely dented.
That is really cool!
Glad to see people come together to help out the island.
@Paranoimia As the most cynical person on the NLife network, a salute this sentiment. Had the same thoughts of this (and the Tokyo Olympics at large...)
@KPraj "every time I try to get on my horse, muscle memory just makes me slash it down ๐ฅบ"
https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/DamnYouMuscleMemory
๐ ๐ ๐
"Yuichi Hirayama writes in an update that a big part of this immense support is down to Ghost of Tsushima fans."
Gaming making a positive difference in real life, beyond just improving mental wellbeing. That is awesome.
Seems like this game has been something of a sleeper hit this year; got a lot of positive praise, more so from players than critics, who were mostly pretty warm towards it.
A friend of mine says that it has "Very beautiful, satisfying combat, insanely repetitive, controls are a bit janky. But it has got some really fun parts and interesting design choices"
Does that seem accurate? I've splurged on a lot of games recently at sales prices (think, ยฃ15 or less) so ideally I'd want to get this for ยฃ20 or so but it's only 6 months old so that's unreasonable. Figured if it is worth the scratch to pay the digital sales price - if some kindly family member throws me some cash or a PSN voucher plastic credit card thingy ๐๐ - thoughts etc?
@Boucho11 "infamous second son is definitely worth picking up. Itโs a really decent action game. "
Wholeheartedly agree with you there. The destructible environments part of the game is so fun I tend to flatten all the D.U.P. bases early on before even bothering with the story. The physics and controls of the game are suuuuper tight and Dante (EDIT: Delsin, I always get him and DMC protag mixed up ha), for once, is a superhero who actually enjoys the hell out of being one. For me, Nolan North's best ever voice acting. Just a slick package all around (story is a bit short if I had to criticise), and a hell of a great launch title for the PS4.
Also @rumple1980
Games are so damn powerful. I'm extremely proud to be apart of this community.
@zekepliskin It's like a much prettier version of that open world game with the bandit camps and the horse. Very safe, meat and potatoes gaming mechanically, but definitely worth it for the views and the violence.
@zekepliskin Troy Baker played Delsin. Looks like him too.
@Jaz007 I stand corrected! I guess Nolan North hasn't done a performance I've liked after all ๐
Updated!
Updated comment: Ghost of tsushima is awesome, both the games and it's fans
Maybe Sucker punch can add it in the inevitable sequel with the rock monument and backers names would be a nice touch.
Heartwarming to see gaming used for good in this instance.
Beneficial fandom! A game that actually makes a tangible difference.
Love it when Video Games can have a positive impact on the world, a good deed like this is exactly what this world needs during these difficult times.
"Bring honor, to Tsushima"
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