Atlus made an unprecedented announcement back in July of this year, all in the name of an impressive anniversary. This year, thePersonaseries celebrated 25 years this past September, and Atlus stated it was preparing sevenPersona-related reveals from now until Fall 2021. Of course, many expected this to be big: Seven announcements spread out across the next year, potentially seven separate game reveals, was huge for Atlus. Many assumed the kick-off event was going to start with a bang, but with the announcement of new anniversary merchandise and new concert/stage performances, some fans were particularly disappointed.
Whether it’s the reveal ofPersona 6, or even something smaller like aPersona 4 Arenaremaster, many figured Atlus had something relatively major planned as the first announcement. Atlus isn’t necessarily setting a precedent with its first anniversary announcement, butPersona’s remaining six anniversary reveals definitely need to top September in some form. However, there’s no reason to believe that Atlus isn’t planning some pretty significant reveals between December and next fall. Whether it’s based on some of the rumors and leaks from earlier this year, or highly requested remasters or ports, Atlus could come out swinging with the rest ofPersona’s reveals.
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September’s Persona Anniversary Reveals Disappointed Some Fans
September’s Persona anniversary announcementsdelved into a lot of reveals and updates that hardcore fans are likely excited for, but there were no formal game announcements. The variousPersonaanime series are returning to streaming services in Japan, while thePersona 5stage adaptation will also be available on streaming platforms in Japan.
Additionally, live musical performances from thePersonaband are also planned for this November in the Tokyo Opera City Hall, as well as a special performance byPersona 5lyricist Lyn Inaizumi at this year’s Tokyo Game Show. Lastly, Atlus showed off some newPersonaanniversary merchandise, as well as setting the next stream for December.
Atlus' reveals of new merchandise and otherPersona-related multimedia can only extend so far before fans are going to want more substantive announcements. Plenty of leaks and rumors have hinted at a fewPersona-related projects in development, andeven if thePersona 5Royalon Switch/PC leak was false, that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. More significant leaks like the website domains for unknown projects (P5AG.JP, 13C.JP, etc.) remain unconfirmed, as well as the rumors of aPersona 5fighting game (orPersona 4 Arenaremaster) as well. That’s without even counting potential remasters or even remakes of games likePersona 3or the first twoPersonagames.
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Possible Game Reveals For Persona’s 25th Anniversary
Obviously the more conservative picks for games make the most sense for six game-relatedPersonareveals, regardless of whether or not they’re remakes, remasters, or even just ports/re-releases of existing games. Many expectPersona 5 Royalwill eventually come to another platform besides PS4, especially withPersona 4 Goldenselling over one million since its release on PC via Steam, andPersona 5 Royalbreaking sales records for the series on PS4alone. APersona 3remaster/remake/re-release is also another big request by fans for the same reason, especially since 2021 marks the 15th anniversary of the thirdPersonagame.
Then there’s the more obscure options for games; generally spin-offs or other non-mainlinePersonagames that hardcore fans enjoyed, but didn’t necessarily have the same audience as mainline entries. One game particularly welcomed by the fighting game community at the beginning of last decade wasPersona 4 Arena, an anime fighter co-developed by Atlus and Arc System Works. As part of the leaked web domains registered by Atlus, there’s alsorumors of aPersona 5anime fighter coming, thanks to “P5U.JP” being renewed by Atlus last May. Considering the popularity ofPersona 4’s fighting game spin-off,Persona 5’s fighting game could be forthcoming.
Eager fans are, of course, waiting for the eventual tease ofPersona 6, a title that Atlus has already mentioned is in early development. When discussing Atlus' future afterPersona 5 Royal, Atlus director Naoto Hiraoka mentioned thatPersonawas taking “the next step” in regards toPersona 6. Hiraoka never elaborated further on the development status ofPersona 6, though it can be inferred that the game is at least still in early development. That being said, it’s possible the last planned reveal (slated for “Autumn” 2022) could be at least a tease forPersona 6. Topping off the 25th anniversary forPersonawith the next mainline game would certainly make sense.
Regardless, December’s announcement will likely solidify expectations for the remainder of next year’s reveals. Even if some fans were disappointed by September’s inaugural reveal, Atlus likely has something big planned for December, even if it may not bePersona 6exactly.
The nextPersonaanniversary reveal is slated for “December” 2021.
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