P5 Phantom X: ATLUS Teases International Launch

SEGA is exploring a global launch for Persona 5: The Phantom X, as revealed in its recent financial report. Let's delve into the details.

SEGA Weighs Global Release of 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 release both in Japan and globally. The report states that the game's 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 for mobile and PC in China on April 12, 2024. This was followed by releases in Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan on April 18th. Perfect World Games (South Korea) publishes the title, with development handled by its Chinese subsidiary, Black Wings Game Studio.

Players control a silent protagonist known as "Wonder," a high school student by day and a Persona-wielding "Phantom Thief" by night, joining forces with other Persona users to combat societal injustices.

Wonder's initial Persona is Janosik, inspired by Slovakian folklore and embodying a "Robin Hood" archetype. The Joker from the main Persona 5 series is also part of the team, alongside a new character, YUI.

P5X retains the turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon exploration elements of the Persona series, but adds 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 shares similarities with *Honkai: Star Rail*'s Simulated Universe, offering power-up choices, diverse maps, and stage completion rewards.

Strong Sales for SEGA's Full Game Portfolio

SEGA also reported solid sales of new titles from its Japanese studios, along with continued sales of previously released games. Highlights include Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1 million units sold globally 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. The company is emphasizing online gaming, aiming to establish a significant presence in the North American market as a third pillar of its business strategy. This segment will also encompass SEGA SAMMY CREATION's slot machine operations and PARADISE SEGASAMMY's integrated resort business.

For FY2025, SEGA projects year-on-year growth in sales and profits, with the Full Game segment expected to generate 93 billion Yen (approximately 597 billion USD), a 5.4% increase from the previous year. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for next year.