With Geoff Keighley’s annual The Game Awards airing tonight, there is growing speculation about a "very surprising" reveal that will be made during the event.
On yesterday’s episode of the Kinda Funny Podcast, iconic Bloomberg gaming journalist Jason Schreier said, “There are at least two announcements at The Game Awards that will make fans say ‘holy shit.’”
Some speculate the reveal could be the elusive Half-Life 3 from Valve or the fabled Bloodborne Remastered. However, one game that fits the bill is ATLUS’ Persona 6.
Persona 6 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated JRPGs, and fans have been eagerly awaiting an update, especially now that Metaphor: ReFantazio has launched to critical acclaim.
There’s much to expect from ATLUS’ next game, yet little to suggest where the series might head next. In this moment of theories and speculation, here are SIX things we hope to see in Persona 6:
A New Setting
When it comes to Persona games, a fresh setting means new memories waiting to be made. As with all Persona titles, the protagonist is always at the center of a major, world-changing event, embodying the essence of living a main character’s life. A new setting will undoubtedly open fresh possibilities for Persona 6’s story.
Better yet, what if Persona 6 steps away from Japan and goes international? In Persona 5, we experienced a taste of another country during the school trip to Hawaii. Perhaps a globetrotting adventure could revitalize the experience, especially for veteran Persona fans.
An Adult Cast
One aspect some find slightly awkward in Persona games is the cast of underaged characters. While their youthful energy and optimism are a core series staple, how about shifting to a more mature cast? Imagine a young lawyer working 24/7 against a corrupt legal system, a doctor grappling with the horrors of health insurance policies, or a government official battling corporate interference.
Persona 6 has the opportunity to introduce a fresh cast navigating professional settings. Metaphor: ReFantazio demonstrated the appeal of an adult cast, resonating with both younger and older audiences.
If ATLUS sticks to the high school framework, however, we hope they reduce the overt sexualization of underage characters.
Catchier Soundtrack
A Persona game wouldn’t be complete without its signature soundtrack. Persona 3 delivered Japanese rock, Persona 4 leaned into city pop, and Persona 5 impressed with its acid jazz. Each genre reflected the game’s themes, becoming a defining trait of the series.
Persona 6 must continue this tradition with something innovative. A futuristic setting might pair well with lo-fi beats, while a rural environment could thrive with Japanese indie music. Whatever direction ATLUS takes, fans are eager to hear what’s next.
That said, it’s a shame Shoji Meguro isn’t around anymore.
More Personas
The heart of every Persona game lies in its Personas, fictional manifestations of the user’s psyche drawn from mythology, folklore, and legend. Iconic Personas like Thor, Loki, Queen Mab, and Surt have carried me through many playthroughs.
Persona 6 could expand this roster, introducing more mythical figures from around the world. Alternatively, ATLUS could include the missing demons from Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. While adding celebrities or pop culture icons like Johnny Depp or Keanu Reeves sounds intriguing, it would stray too far from Jungian Persona concepts.
Revised Turn-Based Combat
The Persona games have revitalized turn-based JRPGs, consistently innovating with each entry. Persona 5 introduced the fan-favorite "Baton Pass" mechanic, which allowed players to transfer their turn to another party member.
For Persona 6, ATLUS could experiment further with game-changing mechanics. While adopting Metaphor: ReFantazio’s press-turn combat system might be too ambitious, it would add a challenging layer to the gameplay.
Switching to real-time combat would be a bold move, though it risks alienating fans if not executed flawlessly.
These are just theories and hopes for ATLUS’ next Persona entry. As of now, details about the game are scarce. The only confirmed information we got was that its main color is “green.”