One of PlayStation’s most anticipated exclusives of the year, Ghost of Yotei, is at the center of unexpected controversy following the reported dismissal of a longtime developer at Sucker Punch Productions. According to multiple circulating reports, senior character artist Drew Harrison was terminated after posting a controversial remark online in the aftermath of the assassination of conservative commentator and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.
The Incident Behind the Firing
On September 10, Kirk was attending a debate at Utah Valley University when a gunman opened fire, striking him in the neck. He was rushed to Timpanogos Regional Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery, but tragically he was later pronounced dead. News of the assassination spread quickly, triggering a firestorm of political reactions across social media.
Among those reactions was a now-deleted post from Harrison’s Bluesky account, which stated:
“I hope the shooter’s name is Mario so that Luigi knows his bro got his back.”
The remark appeared to make light of the assassination while referencing both Nintendo’s iconic Mario Brothers and Luigi Mangione, the man indicted for the 2024 murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City.
Fallout and Response
The post drew immediate criticism online, with many condemning it as distasteful given the circumstances. Within hours, Harrison’s professional accounts reflected a change in employment status, leading to speculation that Sucker Punch Productions had severed ties with her.
On September 11, Harrison herself posted a follow-up message on Bluesky:
“If standing up against fascism is what cost me my dream job I held for 10 years, I would do it again 100x stronger.”
Her LinkedIn profile indicates she had been with Sucker Punch since 2016, contributing to major projects including Ghost of Tsushima before transitioning to the upcoming Ghost of Yotei.
Reactions From Fans and Industry
The firing has sparked polarized responses across gaming communities and political circles alike. Some players have expressed support for Harrison’s dismissal, citing professionalism and sensitivity. Others, however, argue that her removal represents overreach by employers into personal expression, with a few fans even stating they’ve canceled pre-orders for Ghost of Yotei in protest.
Harrison, for her part, has urged supporters not to create fundraising campaigns for her, instead encouraging donations to organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, The Trevor Project, and humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
Ghost of Yotei Still On Track
Despite the controversy, Ghost of Yotei remains scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, as one of PlayStation 5’s flagship exclusives for the fall season. Harrison herself has emphasized that the project is the work of a 200-person team, noting in her own words:
“The game is made by people I love dearly, and I wish nothing but success for them.”
As the situation continues to unfold, Ghost of Yotei faces a storm of public attention that goes beyond its gameplay and setting, highlighting once again the uneasy intersection between politics, social media, and the gaming industry.
