'Persona 5: The Phantom X' Global Launch Explored

SEGA's Financial Report Hints at Global Release for Persona 5: The Phantom X

SEGA's recent financial report for the fiscal year ending March 2024 reveals that Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X), the gacha spin-off of the popular Persona 5, is being considered for a global release. The report indicates that the game's initial launch in select Asian regions is performing as expected, prompting discussions about expanding to Japan and international markets.

Currently in Open Beta

Initially soft-launched in China on April 12th, 2024, and subsequently in Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, and Taiwan on April 18th, P5X is currently in open beta. Published by Perfect World Games (South Korea) and developed by Black Wings Game Studio (China), the game casts players as "Wonder," a high school student who moonlights as a Persona-wielding Phantom Thief, fighting societal injustices. Wonder utilizes the new Persona, Janosik, and teams up with familiar faces like Joker and a new character, YUI.

Gameplay and Features

P5X retains the turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling elements of the main Persona series, but incorporates a gacha system for character acquisition. A recently added roguelike game mode, "Heart Rail," similar to Honkai Star Rail's Simulated Universe, offers additional gameplay challenges and rewards. A gameplay showcase by prominent Persona content creator, Faz, highlights this new mode.

SEGA's Broader Financial Picture

SEGA also reported strong sales for other titles, including Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (1 million units sold in its first week), Persona 3 Reload (1 million units in its first week, the fastest for any Atlus title), and Football Manager 2024 (9 million players since launch). The company announced restructuring, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment focused on online gaming, aiming to establish a strong presence in the North American online gaming market. For FY2025, SEGA projects increased sales and profits, with the Full Game segment expecting 93 billion Yen (approximately 597 billion USD) in revenue. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for next year. The positive performance of these titles, coupled with the consideration for a global P5X release, paints a picture of continued growth for SEGA.