SEGA's latest financial report hints at a potential global launch for Persona 5: The Phantom X. Let's delve into the details.
SEGA Weighs Global Release for P5X
Will Persona 5: The Phantom X Reach Western Shores?
SEGA's financial report for the fiscal year ending March 2024 indicates that Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X), the popular gacha spin-off, is being considered for both a wider Japanese release and a global rollout. The report notes that initial sales are meeting expectations and that international expansion is under review.
Currently in Open Beta, Limited Regions
Licensed by Atlus, P5X initially launched in a soft-launch open beta phase. It debuted in China on April 12, 2024, followed by Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan on April 18. Perfect World Games (South Korea) publishes the title, with development handled by their Chinese subsidiary, Black Wings Game Studio.
Players assume the role of a new silent protagonist, "Wonder," a high school student by day and a Persona-wielding Phantom Thief by night. This group of Persona users embarks on a mission to combat societal injustices.
Wonder's initial Persona is Janosik, inspired by Slovakian folklore and embodying a Robin Hood-esque persona. The original Persona 5 protagonist, Joker, appears alongside a new character, YUI.
Like the main Persona series, P5X features turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling, but incorporates a gacha system for character acquisition.
New Roguelike Mode: Heart Rail
Popular *Persona* content creator, Faz, showcased the new Heart Rail roguelike game mode in his gameplay video. This mode, exclusive to the current China release, bears resemblance to *Honkai: Star Rail*'s Simulated Universe, offering power-ups, varied maps, and stage completion rewards.
Strong Sales for SEGA's Full Game Portfolio
SEGA reported consistent sales of new titles from its Japanese studios within the "Full Game" category, alongside strong repeat sales of previously released games. Notable successes include Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1 million units sold globally in its first week), Persona 3 Reload (1 million units globally in its first week – Atlus' fastest-selling title ever), and Football Manager 2024 (9 million players since its November launch).
SEGA's FY25 Outlook and Restructure
SEGA announced a restructuring, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment. This segment will focus on expanding online gaming, aiming to establish a significant presence in the North American market as a third pillar of its business model. The segment will also encompass slot machine development and integrated resort operations.
SEGA projects increased sales and profits for FY2025, with the Full Game segment targeting 93 billion Yen (approximately 597 billion USD) – a 5.4% increase from FY2024. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for next year.