Persona 5 Royal, one of the most popular and critically acclaimed games of all time, is set to leave Xbox Game Pass on October 31, 2023.
This news has come as a shock to many fans who have been enjoying the game since its release on the platform.
But why is Persona 5 leaving Xbox Game Pass? In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind this decision and what it means for fans of the game.
We’ll also take a look at some of the reactions to the news and what the future holds for Persona 5 on Xbox. So, let’s dive in and find out why this beloved game is saying goodbye to Xbox Game Pass.
Why Is Persona 5 Leaving The Xbox Game Pass?
1. Game Pass Licensing Agreement
One of the primary reasons behind Persona 5’s departure from the Xbox Game Pass is the licensing agreement between Microsoft and the game’s publisher, Atlus.
Microsoft paid to have Persona 5 Royal on Game Pass for a year, which is why it’s leaving the platform in October 2023. This is a common occurrence with subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, and it seems to be the case with most of Sega’s games.
It’s worth noting that Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden are also on Xbox Game Pass, and they may expire in February 2024 for the same reason.
However, they should still be available on the Microsoft Store after their departure from the Game Pass library.
2. Game Pass Library Rotation
Xbox Game Pass has a rotating library of games, which means that some titles will inevitably leave the platform to make way for new additions.
Persona 5 Royal is just one of several games that will be leaving the service in October 2023. Other games leaving include Gunfire Reborn, Signalis, Kill It With Fire, and Solasta Crown of the Magister.
3. New Console Generation
With the recent launch of the Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft is focusing on bringing new games to the platform to showcase the power of these consoles.
This means that some older games, including Persona 5 Royal, may not be a priority for the company anymore.
4. Licensing Issues
Another possible reason for Persona 5’s departure from the Xbox Game Pass is licensing issues. The game’s soundtrack, in particular, has been a point of contention for Atlus in the past.
It’s possible that licensing issues related to the game’s music may have played a role in the decision to remove Persona 5 from Game Pass.