The recent listing of Persona 5: The Phantom X (P5X) on SteamDB has sparked excitement and speculation among fans about a potential global release of the eagerly awaited gacha game. Initially launched in select Asian regions in April of this year, the appearance of P5X on SteamDB hints at possible plans for a wider rollout.
P5X Playtest Listed on October 15, 2024
On October 15, 2024, a "PERSONA5 THE PHANTOM X Playtest" page surfaced on SteamDB, a comprehensive database for Steam-related games. This development has fueled speculation of an impending global PC release. However, the playtest page has only been accessed by a limited number of users, possibly playtesters under the username "pwtest." Currently, clicking the store-page button leads to Steam's homepage, suggesting the beta version is not yet accessible to the public.
P5X Playtest SteamDB Listing Likely Prepping for JP Release
At present, P5X remains exclusive to regions such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and South Korea, where it has already built a dedicated fanbase. The demand for an international release, especially from Western audiences, continues to grow.
During an offline event in Shanghai on July 12, 2024, Atlus, SEGA, and Perfect World confirmed plans for a broader release. Additionally, SEGA's financial report for the fiscal year ending March 2024 mentioned that "Future expansion in Japan and global is under consideration." Despite these promising signs, specific timelines for the expansion remain undisclosed.
Initial announcements from the developers on Twitter (X) on September 25 and during Tokyo Game Show 2024 primarily focused on the game's launch in Japan across both mobile and Steam platforms. This suggests that the SteamDB listing might be more related to a Japanese release rather than an immediate expansion to Western markets.
While SEGA has not provided clear details about an international release, the buzz around the Japan-only playtest and the game's high profile at events like Tokyo Game Show 2024 suggests that a global launch is on the horizon. It's a question of "when" rather than "if."
In the meantime, fans can look forward to P5X's exciting collaborations with other Persona titles, including crossover events with Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Reload as the game expands its universe.
For the latest updates on Persona 5: The Phantom X's release, keep an eye on our dedicated article below!