Persona 5: Global Expansion Rumors Heat Up

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 for the popular gacha spin-off. The report indicates that P5X's initial sales are meeting expectations and that expansion into both Japan and global markets is "under consideration."

Currently in Open Beta, Limited Regions

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

Players embody a new silent protagonist, "Wonder," a high school student by day and a Persona-wielding Phantom Thief by night. Wonder's mission: to combat societal injustices alongside familiar faces and new allies.

Wonder's initial Persona, Janosik (inspired by Slovakian folklore), embodies a Robin Hood-esque persona. The original Joker from Persona 5 joins the team, alongside a new character, YUI.

P5X retains the core elements of the Persona series—turn-based combat, social simulation, and dungeon crawling—but integrates a gacha system for character acquisition.

New Roguelike Mode: Heart Rail

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

SEGA's Strong Full Game Sales

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

SEGA's FY25 Outlook and Restructuring

SEGA announced structural changes, creating a new "Gaming Business" segment. The company plans to expand its online gaming presence in North America, establishing it as a key pillar of its business model. This segment will also encompass SEGA SAMMY CREATION's slot machine operations and PARADISE SEGASAMMY's integrated resort businesses.

SEGA projects increased sales and profits for FY2025, with the Full Game segment aiming for 93 billion Yen (approximately $597 million USD) in revenue. A new Sonic title is also anticipated for next year.