Perfect World Games, maker of the Perfect World MMO, is developing a new mobile game based on an unnamed JRPG IP called “Code Name: X,” which ultimately looks like Persona 5. The Persona series is one of developer Atlus’s most popular JRPG franchises. The most recent numbered entry, Persona 5, was released in 2016 exclusively on PlayStation platforms.
Heralded as one of the best JRPGs in modern times, several spinoff games featuring the cast and style of Persona 5 have released since the original game. These include Persona 5 Royal, an updated version of Persona 5 with new content and quality of life updates, Persona 5 Strikers, an action RPG with Dynasty Warriors-style combat, and Persona 5: Dancing in Starlight, a rhythm game. All of the spinoffs feature the Phantom Thieves, the cast of protagonists from the original game.
A Twitter thread by industry insider Daniel Ahmad states that Chinese developer Perfect World Games is currently developing a new mobile game based on a famous unnamed JRPG going by the pseudonym of Code Name: X. The news comes Perfect World Games’ announcement of 30 new games, many of which originate from famous JRPG IPs. A trailer for Code Name: X appears in the thread, coming from the game’s official website. However, Ahmad claims that the new title is from the Persona franchise, specifically Persona 5. With similar art styles, music and even locales, it is easy to see comparisons between Code Name: X and Persona 5. Another user translated a section of the trailer showing several lines of binary code. The translated code reads as “Persona 5X,” all but confirming that this is indeed a Persona 5 mobile game. As of this writing, the game is only expected to release in China.
It seems that Persona 5 will continue to add to its lineup of spinoffs with this new mobile game. While many may be ready for Persona 6, Atlus is currently working on Shin Megami Tensei V, the sequel to 2013’s Shin Megami Tensei IV. The Shin Megami Tensei series preceded the Persona series; the later franchise branched off from the original with Shin Megami Tensei If… in 1994. Similar to how Persona 5 and its expanded version, Persona 5 Royal are exclusive to PlayStation, Shin Megami Tensei V will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch.
Atlus appears to be willing to make new experiences within the Persona universe. Fans have been clamoring for not only Persona 5 but for previous entries to jump to current or next-gen hardware. Atlus, in turn, has acknowledged this desire with the port of Persona 4 Golden on PC in 2020, which was previously exclusive to PlayStation Vita. It will be interesting to see what other avenues Atlus could take with Persona 5 as its fifth-anniversary approaches this Fall.
Persona 5 is available on PS4 and PS5.
Source: Daniel Ahmad, Code Name: X