Back in 2011, one of the most dangerous natural disasters occurred of the coast of Japan. The Tohoku earthquake and subsequent tsunami ravaged the eastern coast of the country, took the lives of thousands, and contributed to one of the worst nuclear accidents since Chernobyl. Among all of those who were impacted by this disaster, the devastation had a profound impact on Katsura Hashino and much of thePersonadevelopment team.Persona 5’s initial story concepts were scrapped to bring the story home to Japan in the wake of the disaster.
Many ofPersona 5’s sociopolitical conflicts were inspired by real-life scandals in Japan, focusing on a story built from intersocietal conflict framed in the game as an allegory to the Seven Deadly Sins.Persona 5’s original plot concepts were vastly different from what released in 2017, but did present an interesting and unique vision of evolving the series beyond its Japanese high school roots. While the most recent entry was right to redirect and tackle these issues, it would be an interesting concept to see a futurePersonatitle dive into the concepts initially pitched forPersona 5.
Persona 5’s Original Story Concept
Inthe planning stages ofPersona 5’s development, director Katsura Hashino had envisioned a completely different concept for the game compared to what players got in 2017. Before the Tohoku natural disaster inspired Hashino to refocus the project’s story,Persona 5was intended to be a more globe-trotting adventure. Rather than exploring the interior of human’s distorted desires, keywords during the initial planning were “self-discovery” and “journey,” where players would spend the story exploring outside of school. Remnants of that desire can be seen in the real-world recreation of Japan and Shibuya, full of various locales that players could visit with confidants inPersona 5.
In the beginning concepts ofPersona 5, Hashino and the development team were envisioning a far-reaching adventure that extended beyond the walls of a high school. Players would take on the role of a young adult on a backpacking trip, with the main story concepts focused on an adventure themed by self-discovery, coming-of-age, and identity. Going around the world to experience different walks of life, other countries' versions of oppression and prejudice, and defeating the enemies of world culture through the framing of the Gentleman Thief motif. Many of these themes were retainedinPersona 5’s final productdespite bringing the setting closer to home, but there’s still the lingering desire to see what a globe-trottingPersonaadventure might look like.
Expanding Beyond Persona’s Tradition
PracticallyeveryPersonagamehas involved high schoolers in various coming-of-age stories in their respective regions. Most of which have taken place in Japan or fictitious versions of Japan, despite differences in localizations changing the setting occasionally. That core concept has yet to be broken in a numbered entry in the franchise, but Hashino’s original concept could’ve been the first to break that tradition. Envisioning aPersonagame taking place in numerous places around the world would be a serious departure from the series' norm.
It’d be interesting to see characters tackle cultural and political problems all across the world, whilst shining a light on the problems that plague all walks of life. Playing throughPersona 5from the perspective of an American, or any region other than Japan, there are several instances and differences that can instill culture shock. But at the same time, these examples are framed in a way where players can come to understand these differences and gain a new perspective on lives outside of their own. Now imagine that same phenomenon on a much grander scale across the world, ranging from European to South American to Middle Eastern to North American cultures.
Broadening Persona’s Horizons
This is not to say thatPersona 5’s original concept is better than what came in the final release.Persona 5did a wonderful job encapsulating real-life Tokyo, and its societal issues, and framing these problems in an entertaining and thought-provoking way. Part of that is why thePersonaseries has gained new fame and acclaim with its fifth entry, it feels like amaturation of thePersonafranchiseitself. But now more than ever,Persona’s fanbase has become a more global and diverse audience. Incorporating that backpacking “self-discovery” adventure into the nextPersonaentry would be a genuinely exciting capitalization on this newfound popularity.
Not to mention the types ofissues players would encounter ifPersonatook inspirationfrom societal issues all around the world. Issues with oppression, freedom of speech, racial prejudice and injustice, drug and human trafficking, and plenty other mature topics to tackle while still framing them from the perspective of a young adult. Even outside of potential conflicts that could occur throughout the city, it’s also an opportunity to showcase famous art and aesthetics of other cultures and countries.
Much ofPersona 5celebrates Japanese culture and history through its class knowledge questions and the personal conflicts with characters like Yusuke Kitagawa. Players could explore Renaissance, Baroque, Medieval art and themes in Europe. Witness abstract expressionism and Pop Art from North America.Things likePersona 5’s palaces or real-life areascould be explored and depicted inPersona’s signature aesthetic and style.
There’s potential in the original concept forPersona 5that’d be worth looking into forPersona 6or any other future title in the franchise. Considering the worldwide success ofPersonacoming to a head withPersona 5 Royal, taking a more global approach could reinforce the series' desire to explore and expand the growing of one’s inner self.
Persona 6is rumored to be in development.
MORE:Persona 6 on PS5 is the Perfect Chance to Break One Series' Mainstay
