Ghost of Yotei Dev Fired After Disturbing Joke About Charlie Kirk’s Assassination

Sony’s Sucker Punch Productions has officially parted ways with longtime developer Drew Harrison after she made a social media post joking about the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. The move follows public outrage and pressure from fans across the political spectrum who argued that celebrating—or even mocking—the death of any human being has no place in the gaming industry.

The Incident

Shortly after Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University, Harrison posted on bsky.app:

“I hope the shooter’s name is Mario so that Luigi knows his bro got his back.”

The remark, flippantly tying Kirk’s murder to a  quote on quote "Nintendo joke" (but it wasn't a "Nintendo" Joke as she claimed it was a nod to the killer of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson Luigi Mangione), was quickly screen-grabbed and circulated online. Industry veteran Mark “Grummz” Kern, a former Blizzard producer, condemned the comment outright, writing:

“Sucker Punch Senior Dev celebrates Charlie Kirk’s death. Ghost of Yotei is dead to me now.”

Other creators echoed similar sentiments, sparking a wave of criticism against Sucker Punch. Within 24 hours, Sony confirmed Harrison’s dismissal, stating simply: “Drew Harrison is no longer an employee of Sucker Punch Productions.”

The Fallout

Harrison, who had been with the studio for nearly a decade, later framed the firing as a consequence of “standing up against fascism.” She posted that she would “do it again 100x stronger,” doubling down on her original stance.

But for many in the community, the issue was not politics—it was basic human decency. Regardless of where one stands on Charlie Kirk’s politics, joking about the cold-blooded murder of anyone is indefensible.

In an industry already plagued by toxicity, this incident highlights why companies must take a hard line. Talent and tenure cannot outweigh accountability. Harrison’s decade of experience does not excuse a public comment that appeared to celebrate violence.

Broader Context

Ghost of Yotei, the next installment in Sucker Punch’s blockbuster samurai series, had already been under scrutiny from anti-“woke” critics after revealing a female lead. That cultural firestorm fueled further division, but this situation is different. This wasn’t about casting or creative direction—it was about an employee making a cruel remark in the wake of a very real tragedy.

Gaming is a global industry that reaches millions, including young players. Fans deserve to know that the people creating these experiences uphold at least the minimum standard of respect for human life.

MainEvent.News | Backstage Take

This was the right move by Sony and Sucker Punch. Politics aside, mocking the death of a ANY human—whether you agreed with Kirk or not—is inhumane. The industry must send a clear message that celebrating violence has no place in professional gaming or anywhere in society and people are sick of the hate. Fans, families, and communities deserve better.