Persona 5: The Phantom X Global Release Being Considered by SEGA

SEGA's Financial Report Hints at Global Release for Persona 5: The Phantom X

SEGA's recent financial report for the fiscal year ending March 2024 revealed that a global release for Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X) is under consideration. The report indicated that the game's initial performance in select regions is exceeding expectations, prompting discussions about expansion into both Japan and international markets.

Currently in Open Beta, Limited Release

Initially soft-launched in China on April 12th, 2024, and subsequently in Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan on April 18th, P5X is currently undergoing open beta testing. Published by Perfect World Games (South Korea) and developed by Black Wings Game Studio (China), the mobile and PC title casts players as "Wonder," a high school student by day and a Persona-wielding Phantom Thief by night. Wonder’s team includes the iconic Joker from the main Persona 5 series and a new character, YUI. The game features the familiar turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling elements of the Persona series, but integrates a gacha system for character acquisition.

Gameplay and Features

The protagonist, Wonder, initially wields the Persona Janosik, inspired by Slovakian folklore and embodying a Robin Hood-esque archetype. A new roguelike game mode, "Heart Rail," has been introduced, drawing comparisons to Honkai Star Rail's Simulated Universe with its power-up choices, explorable maps, and stage completion rewards. A gameplay showcase by prominent Persona content creator, Faz, highlights this new feature.

SEGA's Overall Performance and Future Plans

SEGA reported strong sales for several titles, including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1 million units sold in its first week), Persona 3 Reload (1 million units in its first week, the fastest for any Atlus title), and Football Manager 2024 (9 million players since launch). The company also announced restructuring, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment focused on online gaming, aiming to establish a significant presence in the North American market. For FY2025, SEGA projects increased sales and profits, with the Full Game segment expecting 93 billion Yen (approximately 597 billion USD) in revenue, a 5.4% increase year-on-year. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for release next year. The positive performance and future plans suggest a strong likelihood of P5X's global expansion.