Summary
Several popular AAA franchises prefer to stick with one protagonist to complete a character arc, but in the case ofPersonaand 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 upcomingPersona 6title suggest Atlus is leaning toward featuring male protagonists once again, and afterPersona 5andPersona 3 Reload’s character lineup, an inclusivity storm could be brewing for the franchise.
It’s been a while sincePersona 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 atPersona 6featuring 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 Male Character Rumors Pose Questions About the Franchise’s Future
Personais 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,Personahas been conspicuously one-sided with its protagonist choices over the years.
Female Protagonists are High on Fan Wish Lists in Persona
Personahas had a couple female protagonists before: Maya Amano inPersona 2: Eternal Punishment,and more recently, Kotone Shiomi (popularly known as FeMC) inPersona 3 Portable, one ofP3’s expanded rereleases. However, there hasn’t been a new female protagonist sincePortable, and sadly, thePersona 3 Reloadremake dropped FeMCfrom its lineup altogether. The developer claimed adding the character would have cost too much time and money—an explanation that understandably rubbed a section ofPersona’s fanbase the wrong way.
The lack of female protagonists isn’t a problem isolated to the mainline editions, though.Persona 5 Tactica’s Jokercontinued the trend of sole male leads, and even the recently announcedPersona 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 throughPersona’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 surroundingPersona 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 thatPersona 6’s base game would feature two male main figures before DLCwould 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,Personarisks 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 ifPersona 6’s base game protagonistsdon’t include a female option, and the developer would do well to avoid the controversy.
