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[Metroidvania]

Sucks that Hardin was so off on this one, but I must say, I've worked with a lot of PR people over the years and he's one of the best by far: Always responsive and helpful; never tries any shady mindgame manipulation shit; super candid about everything. Worth keeping in mind before you pull out the pitchforks!

There's a difference between toeing the company line, and repeatedly promoting it.

He may have been told to say 2015 til the cows come home, or even not have known until today (which I find personally unlikely), but that's not gonna change perception of how things are going down.

...Though I honestly wonder what's being added at this point to lead to another 7-10 month delay, given the Siliconera Interview with Hashino.

Didn't they just update the website to say "coming soon" a couple days ago? Summer 2016 isn't "soon".

Think that was referring to the PV03 trailer.

 

[hemo memo]

Sucks that Hardin was so off on this one, but I must say, I've worked with a lot of PR people over the years and he's one of the best by far: Always responsive and helpful; never tries any shady mindgame manipulation shit; super candid about everything. Worth keeping in mind before you pull out the pitchforks!

You're saying it's Atlus Japan?

 

[Mik317]

gotta eat mah crow.

oh well.

selfishly this works because I would lack time around the probable release period and if it truly hits in summer 16, that would be ideal.

 

[wrowa]

I would guess that Atlus PR on both sides of the pacific knew it wasn't going to make 2015 for a while now but were ordered not to admit it to anyone. Western Atlus being kept in the dark until now is also a possibility, I suppose.

I'd assume that at some point you'll realize that the game you are localizing won't be ready for another 9 months.

Atlus PR being left in the dark also doesn't explain why Atlus employees actually got of their way to defend the release on forums. It's just a very weird situation all around. Especially considering this isn't a short delay we're looking at.

 

[antitrop]

Why was Atlus so adamant in saying this was coming out in 2015 when everyone already expected 2016? It just seems so strange.

Way to set up your fanbase for disappointment.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

I would guess that Atlus PR on both sides of the pacific knew it wasn't going to make 2015 for a while now but were ordered not to admit it to anyone. Western Atlus being kept in the dark until now is also a possibility, I suppose.

If that were the case, I wouldn't think they'd be so...aggressive about insisting it's 2015.

I think Atlus Japan has known since at least PV02 came out right after E3, though likely before then, and kept telling Atlus USA it was still on schedule. Hell, Sega even had it in their last financial report as this financial year.

I don't think the delay is recent (if it were, the sparse marketing wouldn't make sense) and I don't think all parties involved knew. At least, that is my guess, I could be wrong.

Unfortunately it makes Atlus USA look sort of incompetent because Japan decided to Baghdad Bob them.

 

[Kama_1082]

From the press release
TOKYO and IRVINE, Calif. -- Sept. 17, 2015 -- There's no easy way to say it, so we'll be blunt. Persona 5 will not release in 2015. The next numbered entry of the Persona franchise will now release in Japan and the Americas in 2016.

The strengths of the Persona series are compelling characters, a moving, relatable story, and a borderline obsession with minutiae - elements which can't be rushed or taken lightly. So while ATLUS realizes the frustration and disappointment that this must cause for the JRPG-loving public, please know that we are delaying the game in order to make sure the next iteration of the Persona series lives up to the expectations of fans.

Persona 5 will be released in 2016 exclusively on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 systems.

 

[FunkyDealer]

Well, my wallet and social life seems relieved. I can wait, gives me time to play 3.

 

[Silver Arrows]

Why was Atlus so adamant in saying this was coming out in 2015 when everyone already expected 2016? It just seems so strange.

Way to set up your fanbase for disappointment.

Because they were either told to, or they didn't know. I am fairly certain its the former. John Hardin couldn't possibly have had his finger on the pulse and not know.

 

[Cidd]

Guess I'll have to settle with Fallout 4 and Bloodborne for the holidays. still wish I had this as well though sigh.

 

[Mory Dunz]

Why was Atlus so adamant in saying this was coming out in 2015 when everyone already expected 2016? It just seems so strange.

Way to set up your fanbase for disappointment.

FFXV is next with its new "2016" bs.


I think the logic is, don't announce the delay until you have to....I suppose. Dunno.

 

[Aaronrules380]

From the press release
TOKYO and IRVINE, Calif. -- Sept. 17, 2015 -- There's no easy way to say it, so we'll be blunt. Persona 5 will not release in 2015. The next numbered entry of the Persona franchise will now release in Japan and the Americas in 2016.

The strengths of the Persona series are compelling characters, a moving, relatable story, and a borderline obsession with minutiae - elements which can't be rushed or taken lightly. So while ATLUS realizes the frustration and disappointment that this must cause for the JRPG-loving public, please know that we are delaying the game in order to make sure the next iteration of the Persona series lives up to the expectations of fans.

Persona 5 will be released in 2016 exclusively on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 systems.

Europe cries in a corner

 

[Zareka]

I can't muster a smile.

 

[Lunar15]

Lol, the press release title: The Phantom Thief Strikes Again - Steals Persona 5 from 2015

 

[jschreier]

You're saying it's Atlus Japan?

I would guess that, as with Nintendo and many other Japanese game companies, the US side of Atlus gets news from Japan very late. IDK though!

 

[WiiRevolution1]

Honesly? This is good news. Because now I can afford it day one.

(Sorry for being greedy lol.)

Tho really shocking that they kept saying 2015 right until the very end. Makes me think they are trolling and its still 2015 or something. Sucks it got delayed, but better than being a broken mess or something. I'll wait.

 

[ActStriker]

USA too

Atlus U.S.A., Inc. ‏@AtlusUSA 33s34 seconds ago
Persona 5 will release in 2016 exclusively on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 in Japan and the Americas.

https://twitter.com/AtlusUSA/status/644545937306595328

e: oh missed the PR

 

[Basileus777]

So Europe 2017

 

[Hazmat]

Not surprised. It was crazy that they kept insisting it was coming out this year.

 

[Scrawnton]

#believe lol

I feel bad for all of you who seriously believed Atlus PR lies the last half year about the game releasing in 2015.

Still, this is a much longer delay than I expected.

 

[ChasingComets]

I can't muster a smile.

I don't think it's an official image, but I giggled all the same.

Aaaaaaaand now I'm depressed.

 

[PikkonX]

This is heartbreaking, but not entirely unexpected...

 

[Ghost Slayer]

Poor Europe

 

[Lunar15]

I don't think it's an official image, but I giggled all the same.

Aaaaaaaand now I'm depressed.

It's official, actually. Part of the press release.

 

[Zeouterlimits]

From the press release
TOKYO and IRVINE, Calif. -- Sept. 17, 2015 -- There's no easy way to say it, so we'll be blunt. Persona 5 will not release in 2015. The next numbered entry of the Persona franchise will now release in Japan and the Americas in 2016.

The strengths of the Persona series are compelling characters, a moving, relatable story, and a borderline obsession with minutiae - elements which can't be rushed or taken lightly. So while ATLUS realizes the frustration and disappointment that this must cause for the JRPG-loving public, please know that we are delaying the game in order to make sure the next iteration of the Persona series lives up to the expectations of fans.

Persona 5 will be released in 2016 exclusively on the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 systems.

Even saying "Europe TBA" would be a bone throw.

 

[Chris R]

Fucking knew it.

Oh well, at least I'll have JC3 to keep me warm this winter

 

[LiK]

Atlus USA says 2016 for Americas as well. Don't fail me now John!

https://twitter.com/AtlusUSA/status/644545937306595328

 

[V-Faction]

But... but the 5 dream.

 

[Ricker]

Make it early summer,like late June early July and not the end of August and I'll be fine with it...

 

[RPGCrazied]

Atlus USA says 2016 for Americas as well. Don't fail me now John!

https://twitter.com/AtlusUSA/status/644545937306595328

Hard to trust them now, lol. Could be 2017 for all we know.

 

[N.A]

This better not be region locked like Persona 4 Arena.

 

[Gbraga]

Atlus USA says 2016 for Americas as well. Don't fail me now John!

https://twitter.com/AtlusUSA/status/644545937306595328

Don't believe his lies.

 

[Space Medafighter X]

I'm alright with this, still bummed though.

I'll live with Xenoblade and Legend of heroes this year.

 

[Zalman]

Europe cries in a corner

They better not region-lock it. There's no way I'm not importing.

 

[Kikujiro]

Lmao they can't even confirm 2016 for EU, this fucking company.

 

[Wanderer5]

Even saying "Europe TBA" would be a bone throw.

Granted doesn't Atlus have to get another publisher to get it out in EU? This is a Atlus PR statement for the places that well Atlus is themselves publishing to I guess.

 

[EndMerit]

So Europe 2017

There's slim hope for almost simultaneous release with US, since SEGA Europe exists. Ultimax and Q were pretty close.

Could also be 2018 though.

 

[DXLelouch153]

Birthday present it is then
thats one less Christmas gift i guess

 

[FunkyDealer]

Region lock this and heads will roll.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

Granted doesn't Atlus have to get another publisher to get it out in EU? This is a Atlus PR statement for the places that well Atlus is themselves publishing to I guess.

Technically, yes, but at this point I am baffled how they have not worked something out with their parent company to fix their Europe problems.

 

[Zareka]

They back-peddled on region locking with Ultimax, why would they do it with P5? It obviously didn't earn them any favours.

 

[Yonafunu]

of course it is

come on people

 

[Kama_1082]

Region lock this and heads will roll.

If region locking it means that the US gets it around the same time as JP version then ¯_(&#12484_/¯

 

[Zalman]

Granted doesn't Atlus have to get another publisher to get it out in EU? This is a Atlus PR statement for the places that well Atlus is themselves publishing to I guess.

This isn't really an excuse anymore now that they're owned by Sega. They should've solved this long ago.

 

[ShockingAlberto]

Region-locking with Persona 4 Arena was because it was a fighting game, so they had to release it worldwide, and the US game had a "Basically turn this game into a Japanese copy" option.

They were scared of reverse-importation and made a bad decision, which they made a mea culpa on with Ultimax. They also made that decision under Index, so it's not even the same company that's pulling the strings anymore.

I don't really see how it applies to Persona 5.

 

[Vandole]

Confirmed my dread.

 

[funkystudent]

They back-peddled on region locking with Ultimax, why would they do it with P5? It obviously didn't earn them any favours.

Gotta extra fuck those EU fans somehow.

 

[Meier]

Obviously this year was not a realistic possibility. I would be surprised if we get it in NA in Summer 2016.

 

[Deleted member 13876]

Granted doesn't Atlus have to get another publisher to get it out in EU? This is a Atlus PR statement for the places that well Atlus is themselves publishing to I guess.

What I don't get is how the Sega buyout didn't at least solve this problem.

 

[Jarmel]

Yeah, that's not going to happen. Fall 2016 (more likely Winter) for NA at best and most likely 2017 for Europe. Considering that Atlus is seemingly taking dev tips from SE here another delay can always be possible as well.

I actually expect simulatenous if they were initially aiming for 2015 US as that would have meant near simulatenous.

Of course Atlus USA is full of shit at this point so who the fuck knows.