Persona 5: The Phantom X Global Launch on the Horizon?
SEGA's recent financial report hints at a potential global release for Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X). The report indicates that the game's performance in its initial launch regions is meeting expectations, and expansion to Japan and globally is under consideration.
Currently in Open Beta, Limited Regions
Licensed by Atlus, P5X initially launched in a soft-launch open beta phase in China (April 12, 2024), followed by Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan (April 18, 2024). Perfect World Games (South Korea) publishes the mobile and PC title, developed by their subsidiary, Black Wings Game Studio (China).
Players control a new silent protagonist, "Wonder," a high school student by day and Persona-wielding Phantom Thief by night. Wonder's mission, alongside Joker (from the main Persona 5 series) and a new character, YUI, is to combat societal injustices.
Wonder initially uses the Persona Janosik, inspired by Slovakian folklore and embodying a Robin Hood-esque archetype.
P5X retains the series' signature turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling elements, adding 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, similar to Honkai: Star Rail's Simulated Universe, features power-up choices, varied maps, and stage completion rewards.
SEGA's Strong Performance and Future Plans
SEGA reported consistent sales of new and existing titles. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth and Persona 3 Reload both achieved 1 million global sales within their first week of release, highlighting significant success. Football Manager 2024 also boasts 9 million players since its November launch.
SEGA announced structural changes, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment. This will focus on expanding online gaming, aiming to establish a strong presence in North America as a key business pillar. The segment will also encompass SEGA SAMMY CREATION's slot machine business and PARADISE SEGASAMMY's integrated resort operations.
SEGA projects increased sales and profits for FY2025, with the Full Game segment anticipating 93 billion Yen (approximately 597 billion USD) in revenue. A new Sonic title is also planned for next year.
