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, alongside a Japanese launch, for this popular gacha spin-off. The report indicates that P5X's initial performance is meeting expectations and that international expansion is under consideration.

Currently in Open Beta: A Limited Release

Licensed by Atlus, P5X initially soft-launched in China on April 12, 2024, followed by Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan on April 18. Published by Perfect World Games (South Korea) and developed by Black Wings Game Studio (China), the game is currently undergoing open beta testing.

Players assume the role of "Wonder," a high school student by day and a Persona-wielding Phantom Thief by night. Wonder joins forces with Joker (from the main Persona 5 series) and a new character, YUI, to combat societal injustices.

Wonder's initial Persona, Janosik (inspired by Slovakian folklore), embodies a Robin Hood-esque persona. The game retains the core elements of the Persona series—turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling—but integrates a gacha system for character acquisition.

Heart Rail: A New Roguelike Mode

A recent gameplay showcase by prominent Persona content creator, Faz, highlights the new Heart Rail roguelike game mode. This mode shares similarities with Honkai Star Rail's Simulated Universe, offering power-up choices, varied maps, and stage completion rewards.

SEGA's Strong Full Game Sales

SEGA also reported robust sales for its "Full Game" category, including strong performance from new titles like Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1 million units sold globally in its first week) and Persona 3 Reload (1 million units globally in its first week – Atlus' fastest-selling title ever). Football Manager 2024 also saw impressive numbers, attracting 9 million players since its November launch.

SEGA's FY25 Outlook and Restructuring

SEGA announced a restructuring, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment. This segment will prioritize online gaming, aiming to establish a significant presence in the North American market as a third pillar of their business model. The segment also encompasses SEGA SAMMY CREATION's slot machine operations and PARADISE SEGASAMMY's integrated resort business.

SEGA projects increased sales and profits for FY2025, with the Full Game segment expecting 93 billion Yen (approximately USD 597 billion), a 5.4% increase year-on-year. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for next year.