SEGA and Atlus have sets their sights on an ambitious sales goal for the next game in the Persona franchise.
In a recent quarterly earnings report, SEGA Sammy’s CEO and CFO, Haruki Atami and Koichi Fukasawa, addressed the questions posed by investors, unveiling the company’s bold aspirations for Persona 6. This revelation not only indicates SEGA’s confidence in the franchise’s growing popularity but also hints at a strategic shift in how the game will be distributed and marketed.
For years, the Persona series, particularly with its fifth installment, has captivated audiences with an almost proprietary blend of narrative depth, stylish aesthetics, and innovative gameplay. Persona 5′ success has redefined the RPG genre in many ways but also catapulted the series into the limelight, earning it a revered spot amongst more casual gamers. But, a problem with this is that the franchise has typically seen staggered releases, with the fifth entry launching in Japan in 2016 and reaching international markets in April 2017. Additionally, until 2022, it remained a PlayStation exclusive.
However, SEGA’s strategy for Persona 6 appears to be taking a different path. The executives stated, “By increasing the number of platforms it is available on and the regions it is released in, we have been increasing the sales of Persona 5. We believe that it would be possible for a major Persona title, such as a numbered release, to sell 5 million copies in its first year by releasing it on multiple platforms and simultaneously worldwide from day one.” This approach represents a significant departure from past releases and could be a game-changer for the franchise.
The decision to launch Persona 6 simultaneously worldwide across multiple platforms is a strategic move that widen its reach. Historically, the series has enjoyed a dedicated fan base, but its availability on a single platform initially limited its accessibility. By expanding to multiple platforms, SEGA is not only catering to a broader audience but also tapping into the potential of markets that have remained largely untapped by the series.
This approach mirrors the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, where simultaneous multi-platform releases have become increasingly common, especially for high-profile titles. By adopting this strategy, SEGA puts Persona 6 in good position to capitalize on its growing popularity and the momentum built by its predecessors. The company’s confidence in the game’s potential is further bolstered by the recent success of Persona 5, which has sold over 8 million copies since its release.
Despite the optimism, achieving a sales target of 5 million copies in the first year is no small feat. While Persona 5 was a resounding success, surpassing this milestone would place Persona 6 as a best-selling JRPG. This achievement would be a huge help in growing the franchise even further, decades after it came to be. But, again outside of Final Fantasy, which recently faced its own set of struggles, what other JRPG can sell as much in their lifetime let alone a year?
We’ll find out soon enough if Persona 6 can live up to SEGA and Atlus’ lofty sales expectations. For now, fans are hoping that it will be part of SEGA’s two-part release plans for 2024.
