The much-anticipated "Persona 5" appeared at this year's Tokyo Game Show and fans were treated to a new, explosive, and action-packed trailer. However, a bit of bad news rained on their parade – in the trailer's end credits, the game was listed with a summer 2016 release.
The upcoming installment in the formerly titled "Shin Megami Tensei: Persona" franchise was originally slated for a late 2015 release. Although developer Atlus did not officially say that the title would come out this year, it listed the release date on the official "Persona 5" website as "TBA 2015." In addition, previous reports about the title also pegged the rollout to be sometime this year.
Aside from the credits in the trailer, Atlus also officially announced the setback in a press statement. Via industry observer Gamasutra and Gamepress, the official statement from Atlus reads, "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."
While Atlus did not mention specific details on what caused the delay, it can be inferred from the press release that the developer wants to make sure that "Persona 5" will live up to the hype of its legions of fans, especially those that are following the franchise closely.
Atlus stressed, "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."
As with other titles in the "Shin Megami Tensei" franchise, the central story is also the focus of "Persona 5." This time, the upcoming title centers on a high-school boy as he goes about his daily life. However, what separates him from the rest of the school and society in general is he has a psyche, called a Persona, which he can summon.
