Members of the Atlus team recently hinted that the developer has at least one major announcement coming in 2025, and it’s something the team is very excited about. Of course, fans immediately began speculating whether the hints referred to Persona 6, the next main entry in the popular Persona series. It is definitely possible that Persona 6 could be one of the potentially multiple titles that seem slated for 2025 and beyond, but it may also be something else entirely. There are both pros and cons to Atlus moving directly into Persona 6 as its next major release.
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The Argument For: Avoiding Delays And Branching Out
One major reason that Atlus has been so careful to avoid revealing Persona 6 until they are ready is to avoid delays. Persona 5 was announced in 2013 but suffered multiple delays, ultimately debuting in 2016. Atlus has been open about the fact that they see this as a misstep that they wish to avoid when it comes to the next Persona game, and thus they will not reveal it until they are more certain of a concrete launch window.
Releasing another game before Persona 6 could also be a positive thing for Atlus in general. Some fans previously felt that Atlus was playing it safe with the practically endless parade of Persona spinoffs – the Arena and Dancing All Night titles, Persona Q and its sequel, Persona 5 Strikers and, most recently, Persona 5 Tactica. However, in 2024, the studio came out with a brand-new title, Metaphor: ReFantazio, which borrowed from the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei battle system but featured a rich new fantasy world.
The game was a success, receiving positive reviews and winning multiple awards. Atlus team members revealed that they hope Metaphor will eventually become a series, but have no concrete plans at this time. Releasing another game, especially something original like Metaphor, could help Atlus grow further and not be limited by the successful formula of Shin Megami Tensei and Persona.
The Case Against: Dwindling Enthusiasm And Phantom X Concerns
On the other hand, it has been nearly a decade since the release of Persona 5. While there have been spinoffs and the successful remake Persona 3 Reload, many fans still very much want to see a new main series title. Unfortunately, the longer Atlus goes without announcing Persona 6, or even showing off any kind of teaser, the less excited some fans become. Some have likely begun to drift away from the studio and series because it has been so long. To some, it may even feel like Persona 6 might never happen at all. Atlus concretely making a statement, showing off the game and announcing a release window could bring back some of that dwindling hype.
Concerns Regarding Persona 5: The Phantom X
Another issue is a game that does look like it will release before Persona 6: Persona 5 The Phantom X. A mobile game with monetization elements – including a gacha system – inspired by Persona 5, the game is currently only slated for a release in Eastern markets, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. Atlus has confirmed that they currently have plans to bring the game to Japan, but a potential Western release – as well as a console or PC release – is still up in the air.
Because of its mobile game status and monetization and luck-based elements, some fans are concerned that The Phantom X will feel like a cheap money grab rather than a true Persona game. Others are simply tired of constant Persona 5 spinoffs. Continuing to not announce Persona 6 could only increase the potential controversy surrounding The Phantom X, which may be the most contested of the Persona series spinoffs released so far.
