Summary
Atlus has canceled aPersonagame code-named “Asa,” a prominent leaker has claimed. ThePersonaspin-off title is believed to have been in development for at least several years.
The project was originally reported to be in existence in mid-2023, when well-known Atlus leakerMidori described it as a “tribute” toPersonafans. Elaborating on that point, the insider said that the game had been envisioned as a free-to-play, party-based spin-off meant to star characters from all the mainline series entries.
Persona Grand Stage Was Reportedly Canceled in 2023
Taking to Twitter in late May 2024, Midori said that the project had been shelved, stating that Atlus pulled the plug on the game sometime in 2023. The claim dovetails with the leaker’s January 2024 report, whichsuggested that thePersonaspin-off may never see the light of day. This occasion also saw Midori share that the game was planned to be marketed asPersona Grand Stage.
As per the insider’s previous reporting, at least one of Sega and Atlus have been skeptical aboutPersona Grand Stage’s prospects in the context of it having to compete withPersona 5: The Phantom X. Namely, it’s understood that both games had a lot of overlap in the sense that they were envisioned as free-to-play titles for PC and mobile devices.Persona 5: The Phantom Xis rumored to be getting an international releaseafter its ongoing China-only beta test is concluded.
While some fans may find the “party game” description evocative of titles likeMario Party, Midori previously said thatPersona Grand Stagewas aiming to deliver a significantly different multiplayer experience. Specifically, the game was supposedly meant to feature shooting sections and co-op elements. Atlus is said to have been developing it with support from at least one external studio. It is unclear at what exact stage the project was before its newly reported cancellation.
Many More Persona Games Are Reportedly In the Works Right Now
Even ifPersona Grand Stagenever sees the light of day, there should be no shortage of new series entries for fans to enjoy in the foreseeable future. According to recent rumors, many of which were started by Midori, the Japanese studio ispresently pursuing at least four otherPersonagames. That list includesPersona 6, as well as either remakes or remasters ofPersona 1and thePersona 2duology. Atlus is currently also rumored to be working on a remaster of a PS2-eraShin Megami Tenseigame, most likelySMT: Digital Devil Saga. AnotherSMTgame that’s planned to be exclusive to Netflix is said to be in the works right now as well.
Persona
Persona is an RPG franchise developed and published by Atlus, spun off from its larger Megami Tensei franchise. Originally releasing in 1996 under the name Revelations: Persona, the series typically follows a core group of High School students who have access to Personas, physical manifestations of a person’s psyche and subconscious, to do battle in combat. Newer games in the franchise, starting with Persona 3, have introduced the idea of Social Links, which lets players further strengthen and evolve Personas based on time spent with their owners outside of dungeons.
