Persona 5is widely considered by critics and fans to be a modern classic of the RPG genre. Originally released in 2016,Persona 5is currently available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 through backward compatibility. WhilePersona 5isn’t a first-party PlayStation game, it has only been released for Sony consoles so far. Some gamers who use different platforms would love the opportunity to play the game, and there is perhaps a case to be made for it being launched on a wider variety of consoles. For Xbox specifically,Persona 5could be a great addition to its lineup.
The mainlinePersonagames have generally been released in favor of PlayStation consoles. While it’s not public knowledge if the developer, Atlus, has a specific arrangement with Sony, PlayStation consoles have benefitted fromPersonagames launching on the systems for several years now.Personaseries spinoffs have branched out to other consoles, most notably Nintendo machines, but the main series hasn’t truly done so as of yet.Persona 4 Goldenwas released on PC in 2020in an enhanced version, and perhaps this could be indicative of Atlus branching out to other platforms. APersona 5release on Xbox consoles could be great for both the series and Microsoft.
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It Would Help Diversify Xbox’s RPG Offerings
SinceMicrosoft’s buyout of Bethesda has been made official, Xbox has become a premier platform for RPGs in the eyes of many gamers. The Bethesda catalog is filled with classics fromThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutseries, which are now more accessible than ever on Xbox Game Pass. In addition to the Bethesda titles, Microsoft previously bought out Obsidian Entertainment, the famed developers ofFallout: New Vegas,thePillars of Eternityseries, and the upcoming action-RPG,Avowed.With such a huge selection of western RPGs,Persona 5on Xbox could add some variety.
Some gamers have been yearning for some more Japanese-focus from Xbox. Xbox has had a difficult time over the years with success in Japanese markets, despite some well-received attempts on Xbox 360 to break new ground with the likes ofLost OdysseyandBlue Dragon.Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, visited Japan in 2020but later denied the trip was about buying up Japan-based development teams, much to the dismay of some Xbox gamers.Persona 5on Xbox would freshen up the current selection of RPGs and set a new precedent for the series to move beyond PlayStation exclusivity in the new generation.
It Could Benefit Xbox’s Standing in Japan
Generally speaking,Nintendo tends to dominate hardware and software sales in Japan, but that doesn’t mean Xbox can’t carve out more of a niche for itself in the region. Xbox isn’t without Japanese-developed titles, but it’s well known in gaming circles that the brand has somewhat struggled with breaking ground in the area. APersona 5release on Xbox would not only break the cycle of PlayStation exclusivity but also possibly introduce a whole new audience to Xbox.Persona 5is extremely popular in its home market of Japan, and bringing the series to Xbox could bring those fans with it to experience what the brand has to offer. A release on Xbox Game Pass specifically would make the game very accessible to players who are new to Microsoft consoles. As a byproduct of an Xbox Game Pass release, new Xbox owners might be encouraged to try out the other titles available on the service.
IfPersona 5on Xbox was successful, there would be a strong case to be made forotherPersonagames to come to Xbox, and other Japanese-developed games in general. There is already an built-in audience of Xbox gamers who would love to see more Japanese representation on the consoles and a successfulPersona 5release could encourage other developers to release their titles on Xbox. This could be a critical release for Xbox and its hopes for success in Japan.
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It Would Lessen Game Divide and Give Players More Options
Nintendo and Sony are renowned for exclusive games, and while most of these are first-party titles, some notable third-party games only appear on specific consoles. The mainlinePersonaseries games have generally only launched on PlayStation consoles, except for thePersona 4 GoldenPC port in 2020. Once upon a time,Metal Gear SolidandTomb Raidergames defaulted to PlayStation consoles despite not being owned by Sony.Persona 5launching on Xbox would be a step towards reducing third-party exclusive numbers and could challenge the expectation that most Japanese-developed games will only launch on Nintendo or Sony machines.
IfPersona 5released on Xbox, it could break open some new opportunities and make fundamental changes asthe industry moves into the new console generation. Xbox could see benefit with more Japanese developer support and fandom surrounding its brand in a region it hasn’t seen much success. A successfulPersona 5launch could open the door for more popular Japanese games to come to Xbox as well. With the possibility for more choices being offered to gamers, it’s a win-win scenario forPersona 5on Xbox for everyone involved.
Persona 5is available now on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4.
