Highlights
- Persona 6 rumors suggest two male protagonists in the base game and potentially adding a female character through DLC.
- Atlus is already facing criticism for a lack of female leads in the modern Persona series, with fans desiring more diverse representation in protagonist choices.
Several popular AAA franchises prefer to stick with one protagonist to complete a character arc, but in the case of Persona and its Phantom Thieves setting, the role has changed hands in just about every iteration and spin-off. However, the Atlus JRPG's formula that has worked so well has also given rise to new problems. New rumors concerning the upcoming Persona 6 title suggest Atlus is leaning toward featuring male protagonists once again, and after Persona 5 and Persona 3 Reload's character lineup, an inclusivity storm could be brewing for the franchise.
It's been a while since Persona 6's confirmation in 2021, but official updates about developments remain few and far between. Fans are still speculating about possible new features and plotline spins in the upcoming titles judging from spinoff pivots, and leakers are also filling the gap with insight into what experiences Atlus plans to provide its players with. Details from a recent leak have hinted at Persona 6 featuring two male protagonists in the base game to be joined by a female addition through DLC, and it's easy to foresee a wave of controversy following the title if it sticks to its supposed guns.
Persona 6's Rumored Green Theme Explained
With rumors mounting that Persona 6 will feature green as its core color theme, it’s time to look at what that might mean for the upcoming RPG.
Persona 6's Male Character Rumors Pose Questions About the Franchise's Future
Persona is arguably the most visible JRPG on the market, and gamers who enjoy party-based gameplay systems identify with the Atlus franchise for its deeply intertwined narratives and character development. But despite its emphasis on representation and building character diversity, Persona has been conspicuously one-sided with its protagonist choices over the years.
Female Protagonists are High on Fan Wish Lists in Persona
Persona has had a couple female protagonists before: Maya Amano in Persona 2: Eternal Punishment, and more recently, Kotone Shiomi (popularly known as FeMC) in Persona 3 Portable, one of P3's expanded rereleases. However, there hasn't been a new female protagonist since Portable, and sadly, the Persona 3 Reload remake dropped FeMC from its lineup altogether. The developer claimed adding the character would have cost too much time and money—an explanation that understandably rubbed a section of Persona's fanbase the wrong way.
The lack of female protagonists isn't a problem isolated to the mainline editions, though. Persona 5 Tactica's Joker continued the trend of sole male leads, and even the recently announced Persona 5: The Phantom X's protagonist (codenamed Wonder) is reported to be a boy in his second year of high school. While the franchise has no shortage of female supporting characters, gamers have voiced their desire to traverse through Persona's dungeons through the lens of a female protagonist. Owing to this sentiment, Atlus is in a growing dilemma with each new spin-off or mainline edition that passes without a clear-cut female lead.
Persona 6's Rumors Proving True Could Cause a Storm for Atlus
In light of this gap in representation, rumors surrounding Persona 6's lineup have the potential to spark heated discussions in the franchise's fanbase. The usually reliable leaker, Head on the Block, recently informed fans that Persona 6's base game would feature two male main figures before DLC would allow for a female character to be playable. If the rumors prove true, Atlus' inclusion of the female lead might easily be viewed as an afterthought to appease gamers, which could have disastrous ramifications.
In an ever-evolving gaming industry where customization is the order of the day, Persona risks being left behind if it continues the male-dominated protagonist trend that has become synonymous with the franchise's identity. While leaks are generally taken with a pinch of salt, Head on the Block's reputation lends some credibility to the protagonist rumors. It's not far-fetched to imagine the extent of disappointment if Persona 6's base game protagonists don't include a female option, and the developer would do well to avoid the controversy.
