Persona Community Face Unsettling Trolley Problem: Auto-Battler Supposedly Cancelled, Atlus Focusing On New Gacha Game Instead

The Persona community no doubt just want Persona 6, but life isn't fair, and Atlus have a "responsibility to provide value to shareholders", which means we're getting mobile games instead. But would you rather an auto-battler or a gacha game? According to one insider, Atlus have just decided which to focus on.

Persona Autbattler Gacha
Persona 6? Best we can do is a gacha. | © Atlus

The Persona series has garnered a devoted and passionate fanbase over the years, thanks to its captivating narratives, unforgettable characters, and distinctive gameplay. But recent decisions made by Atlus might jeopardize this trust among some in the community. Where they want Persona 6, the big-wigs would rather focus on the (admittedly more profitable) world of mobile gaming.

However, an industry insider is claiming that one of the mobile projects, an auto-battler they were working on called "Persona Grand Stage", looks in doubt. Apparently, "Atlus is focusing on new ways to expand the Persona series with P5X", a gacha game.

Persona Grand Stage In Doubt, P5X The Current Focus

A Persona insider recently shared the following scoop via X (formerly Twitter):

The official title for Persona ASA was Persona Grand Stage. It was in development for PC and mobile devices.

Notice their unfortunate use of the word "was".

It is a game where development was completed with external support. But it is uncertain if PGS will be released. Atlus is focusing on new ways to expand Persona series with P5X. I am told PGS was a Teamfight Tactics game.

Again with the "was" when talking about PGS.

Fans were quick to share their disappointment. Although, it seems that for most of them, the loss of PGS isn't the biggest issue. The real tragedy here is that their options are between an auto-battler and a gacha game. As @anouer_adam commented:

Thanks for letting us know, I’m glad it wasn’t a half hearted party game but it’d be a shame if it ends up cancelled. However the idea of trying to force the series forward via mobile games is concerning.

And @bigwariofan added:

Real trolley problem vibes

Maybe you like mobile games, and we seem too judgmental, but it's hard not to complain when Persona 6 still feels a lifetime away.

Jon Ramuz

Jon has a BA and an MA in English Literature, and as Content Lead for EarlyGame has written over 1,500 articles. He focuses on shooters, but also writes about entertainment and gaming in general....