Ghost of Yōtei is close to releasing, and the GTA 6 delay has given Sucker Punch a clear runway to launch.

When Hollow Knight: Silksong revealed its release date, a handful of indie studios immediately pushed their own games back to avoid being lost in the noise. That scramble to dodge a giant isn’t unique to indies either: Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Yōtei found itself in the same position when it came to Grand Theft Auto 6.

Relief for Ghost of Yōtei

Sucker Punch’s samurai epic is due out on 2 October 2025, a date that once sat alarmingly close to Rockstar’s juggernaut. GTA 6 was originally slated for late 2025, and no studio, no matter how big, seems to want to fight for attention against what is likely to be the most-anticipated release in gaming history.

That’s why Rockstar’s decision to push GTA 6 back to 26 May 2026 was such a relief for the devs of Ghost of Yōtei. In an interview by MinnMax, co-creative director Nate Fox admitted the news sparked wild celebrations. “We’re all still hungover, multi-month hangover,” he joked. “That was a great day.”

The reaction underlines just how much release timing shapes the games industry. Even a flagship PlayStation exclusive with massive backing would have struggled to shine against Rockstar’s all-consuming launch. Few games can compete with the scale, budget, and hype of GTA 6, and fewer still want to try. For Ghost of Yōtei, those extra months of clear air could make a world of difference in sales and visibility.

A calmer look at Ghost of Yōtei

Now that things look calmer for the devs, Sucker Punch just released a ten-minute trailer showcasing its tranquil environments and serene music. 

Fans have already praised the footage, with many saying that they’ll “spend hours marvelling at the scenery, just like they did with Ghost of Tsushima.”

With GTA 6 now set for 2026, Ghost of Yōtei has the rare chance to own its release window, and to carve out its legacy before Rockstar once again dominates the spotlight.

Ghost of Yōtei is set to release on 2 October, 2025 as a PlayStation 5 exclusive. For everything revealed in the Ghost of Yōtei State of Play last month, you can find all the details here.