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

SEGA Weighs Global Launch for Persona 5: The Phantom X

Will Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X) grace American shores? SEGA's recent financial report hints at a potential global release for the popular gacha spin-off. The report indicates that P5X's initial performance is meeting expectations and that expansion into both Japan and global markets is "under consideration."

Currently in Open Beta, Limited Regions

Licensed by Atlus, P5X initially launched in a soft-launch capacity for mobile and PC in China on April 12, 2024, followed by Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan on April 18. Currently in open beta, the game is published by Perfect World Games (South Korea) and developed by Black Wings Game Studio (China).

Players assume the role of "Wonder," a high school student by day and a Persona-wielding Phantom Thief by night. Wonder joins a team including the iconic Joker from the main Persona 5 series and a new character, YUI. Wonder's initial Persona is Janosik, inspired by Slovakian folklore and embodying a "Robin Hood" archetype.

P5X retains the signature turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling elements of the Persona series, but integrates 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 recent gameplay video. This mode bears resemblance to Honkai Star Rail's Simulated Universe, offering power-up choices, varied maps, and stage completion rewards.

SEGA's Strong Full Game Sales

SEGA reported strong sales in its "Full Game" category, including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1 million units in its first week), Persona 3 Reload (1 million units in its first week, Atlus' fastest-selling title ever), and Football Manager 2024 (9 million players since launch).

SEGA's FY25 Outlook and Restructuring

SEGA announced a restructuring, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment encompassing online gaming, slot machine development/sales (SEGA SAMMY CREATION), and integrated resort operations (PARADISE SEGASAMMY). They forecast increased sales and profits for FY2025, projecting 93 billion Yen (approximately USD 597 billion) in revenue for the Full Game segment. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for next year.