Although the game has been showcased for a long time, it was only before the release that it became known why yellow color prevails in promotional materials.
Joanna Wang, art director at Sucker Punch, explained in an interview that the bright palette was chosen for several reasons. First, it emphasizes the change of location from Tsushima to Hokkaido.
The difference is due to the new scenography. Hokkaido, called Edzo in that era, looks distant, spacious and rebellious. The landscape is dynamic and alive: the northern lights in the night sky, the sunrise over the mountains, birds in flight, the wind in the grass - all this creates a feeling of a harsh but lively land.
The map differs from Tsushima: each region has individual features, seasonality and a unique color palette, which enhances immersion in the game world.
Yellow color has a symbolic meaning. For the main character Atsu, it is associated with the past: 16 years ago she lost her family and home, she was left at a ginkgo tree, which shed yellow leaves before it burned down. This color is repeated in her costume and key moments of the game, reflecting the past, scars and hidden pain, forming the visual narrative of her story.