Persona 3 Remake Reveals Hopes for Female Protagonist Inclusion

Atlus producer Kazushi Wada reiterates the unlikelihood of the popular female protagonist (FeMC) from Persona 3 Portable appearing in Persona 3 Reload. The reasons, as explained in a recent PC Gamer interview, boil down to significant development costs and time constraints.

While initially considered, including Kotone Shiomi/Minako Arisato – the FeMC's name – proved too challenging, even as post-launch DLC alongside Episode Aigis - The Answer. The scope of adding the FeMC would have drastically extended development time and budget, making it unfeasible.

Wada's statement confirms previous comments made to Famitsu, emphasizing the insurmountable hurdles presented by incorporating the FeMC. He stated the development time and cost would be exponentially higher than that of Episode Aigis. This disappointing news, though anticipated by some, will undoubtedly sadden fans who hoped to experience Persona 3 Reload with the alternative protagonist. The February release of Persona 3 Reload, a comprehensive remake of the 2006 classic, already featured many signature elements, but the absence of Kotone/Minako remains a significant point of discussion.

Despite the FeMC's popularity in Persona 3 Portable, Wada's definitive statement leaves little room for future inclusion. The high cost and developmental challenges appear insurmountable, effectively ending speculation of her future appearance in Persona 3 Reload.