Highlights

  • Atlus reportedly canceled a Persona spin-off game code-named "Asa."
  • The project's existence was originally leaked in 2023, with Atlus leaker Midori subsequently claiming the game was planned to be titled Persona Grand Stage.
  • At least four new Persona games are believed to be in various stages of development right now.

Atlus has canceled a Persona game code-named "Asa," a prominent leaker has claimed. The Persona spin-off title is believed to have been in development for at least several years.

The project was originally reported to be in existence in mid-2023, when well-known Atlus leaker Midori described it as a "tribute" to Persona fans. Elaborating on that point, the insider said that the game had been envisioned as a free-to-play, party-based spin-off meant to star characters from all the mainline series entries.

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Persona Grand Stage Was Reportedly Canceled in 2023

Taking to Twitter in late May 2024, Midori said that the project had been shelved, stating that Atlus pulled the plug on the game sometime in 2023. The claim dovetails with the leaker's January 2024 report, which suggested that the Persona spin-off may never see the light of day. This occasion also saw Midori share that the game was planned to be marketed as Persona Grand Stage.

As per the insider's previous reporting, at least one of Sega and Atlus have been skeptical about Persona Grand Stage's prospects in the context of it having to compete with Persona 5: The Phantom X. Namely, it's understood that both games had a lot of overlap in the sense that they were envisioned as free-to-play titles for PC and mobile devices. Persona 5: The Phantom X is rumored to be getting an international release after its ongoing China-only beta test is concluded.

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While some fans may find the "party game" description evocative of titles like Mario Party, Midori previously said that Persona Grand Stage was aiming to deliver a significantly different multiplayer experience. Specifically, the game was supposedly meant to feature shooting sections and co-op elements. Atlus is said to have been developing it with support from at least one external studio. It is unclear at what exact stage the project was before its newly reported cancellation.

Many More Persona Games Are Reportedly In the Works Right Now

Even if Persona Grand Stage never sees the light of day, there should be no shortage of new series entries for fans to enjoy in the foreseeable future. According to recent rumors, many of which were started by Midori, the Japanese studio is presently pursuing at least four other Persona games. That list includes Persona 6, as well as either remakes or remasters of Persona 1 and the Persona 2 duology. Atlus is currently also rumored to be working on a remaster of a PS2-era Shin Megami Tensei game, most likely SMT: Digital Devil Saga. Another SMT game that's planned to be exclusive to Netflix is said to be in the works right now as well.