Persona 5 is probably getting a Japanese release date next month, but the painful wait for any kind of confirmation of a European launch looks set to continue. For years now, NIS America has been bringing Atlus' games to European shores, ensuring that the likes of Persona 4 Golden made it overseas. However, following SEGA's purchase of Atlus, the prolific publisher has cut ties.
"Around ten days ago, we terminated our alliance with Atlus in Europe and the US," NIS America MD Takuro Yamashita told MCV. "Atlus became very picky about selecting the European publishing partner after it was bought by Sega. It always cherry picked its EU publishing partner based on who offered the highest minimum guarantee on a title by title basis. I noticed that it was very difficult for NIS America to establish an equal-partnership with Atlus," he explained.
So, what does this mean, exactly? Well, on a basic level, it perhaps sets a slightly worrying premise. It's always been tediously difficult for Europeans to get their hands on Atlus' titles, and now, it could potentially become even more of a pain - at least, if SEGA itself isn't keen on picking up the slack. That said, SEGA at least seems a little more involved with localisation these days - the publisher is translating Yakuza 0, for example, instead of having Sony handle it as it did with Yakuza 5. And, of course, it's also releasing Valkyria Chronicles Remastered in North America and Europe next month.
In any case, we just need to hope and pray that both Europe and North America get Persona 5 launch dates sooner rather than later, as it's becoming increasingly hard to shake the feeling that these companies are steadily ruining the potential commercial success of this fantastic franchise.
[source mcvuk.com]
Comments 28
Aye.... it's just Europe.......good to be on the best continent!
I now and then have a soft spot for Sega but if Persona 5 didn't release over here, they'd be hell to pay.
Given SEGA Europe's deafening silence over the past 10 or so days, it's looking doubtful. They've been silent on the 3DS game 7th Dragon Code:VFD ever since its announcement back in February, silent on Hatsune Miku Project Diva X, a game confirmed to have a near-simultaneous launch (on PS4) in Japan and the US; and in the case of Valkyria Chronicles PS4, are giving it considerably worse treatment than their US division, who have gone to the expense of making a lovely steelbook edition of the game.
I'd rather not import, but if it came to Persona 5's European release either being given considerably worse treatment or an inexplicable delay, I'd rather import than act like such things are okay.
Edit - Of course, if SEGA Europe has absolutely no interest in publishing these kinds of games, I think they should just come out and say that. Rather be openly told they're not interested in my money than hold on to some vain hope that they'll see the light.
What's wrong with publishers? I live in Brazil (same games published in NA) but this is just sad.
At least PS4 is region free. Relatively easy to get a copy either from the PSN or an import store - and sometimes cheaper due to exchange rates.
Agree with @ShogunRok's article, though - 12 months ago it seemed like Persona 5 was going to be an absolute smash hit. I still think it's going to be a brilliant game, but they're starting to lose a bit of momentum around it now.
@get2sammyb They need whatever this May announcement is to be a good one. If Persona 5 really is happening this year, SEGA and Atlus have to kickstart some hype fairly soon. This game could have had it all!
come on SEGA don't let me down
How are they letting this happen?
Persona could rival the big franchises in the world and the publishing efforts are royally messing this up.
Here's to hoping SEGA will do it, this is an important game, one of my most awaited. Then why did they acquire Atlus in the first place?
@themcnoisy If this nonsense keeps up, you're going to want to use a new profile pic!!! All I can do is shake my head - can't believe SEGA is screwing up Atlus when it should be their cash cow.
... And that is my problem with the whole debate on Britain leaving the EU. WHO WILL RELEASE PERSONA 5 IF WE LEAVE? Not one politician has answered that question.
@Rudy_Manchego true, that's probably the most important factor, and I bet they haven't even considered it.
In SEGA we trust. How dare any of you doubt their competence and confidence in their own product.
I trust them. It would be crazy not to bring this to Europe.
@sub12 Just Europe? You imbecile, there's a lot of gamers in EU that are looking forward to this game too.
@Dinkelburg
It's called sarcasm.......imbecile.
I panicked before I read through the article and realized this only affects Europe. Whew! Worried for a second lol
If this game turns out to be as good as it looks and there's no release here in Europe I'm importing. Would be a major mistake on sega's part. Surely they know what's good for the firm and know there's money to be made.My friends have been anticipating this for a long time.
Sega has a terrible trackrate in supporting the EU. I am more a fan of Namco Bandai at least they give us enough games and all the extra's.
I've read, and reread the article a couple of times now and I'm still confused. So why did the two break up? There's practically no details.
Anyways, this is bad, but it could be worse. It could be Nintendo. Can you imagine? Region Locking!! Thank God Sony got rid of that long ago with the psp and ps3.
I'm pretty sure they said, when they announce the release date it'd be a worldwide release date. They said it last year.
@Jbumi Sega are insane, I've been waiting since 1994 for a sequel to streets of rage 3.
They never fail to disappoint.
@LieutenantFatman I know, I bet those fat cats can afford expensive imports...
Sigh.........
I'm just going to wait and hope, maybe Sony will help out like Nintendo are doing for Tokyo Mirage Sessions #FE.
Nope, not definitely not because of SEGA meddling...
@Rudy_Manchego honestly and it's not games but the CEO of Manga UK (one of the UK's biggest anime distributors) has said that leaving the EU would very likely destroy his company so your comment could be right on the money
there is a lot more to consider about the EU and the UK's position in it other than immigration but that seems to be the only point people like to make
me i'm not fussed because we would probably be buggered either way, this country has been going down the crapper for years
@FullbringIchigo Yeah - I was being half serious. If we leave the EU, then distributors of more niche products (like Manga UK) are going to have to struggle. It may be that distributors have to now release to the EU and UK which means increasing costs and different legislation.
It's just one of those things that no ones knows really... I do know that a lot of UK based game companies rely on EU employees for localisation services (known a few that worked for Rockstar) so that migth suffer.
@themcnoisy "They never fail to disappoint." I had to laugh - that's what I say all the time about the human race!!!
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