The homophobic scenes in Persona 5 are getting updated for Persona 5 Royal
If there’s a company that has really never been able to handle queer sexualities in a respectful way, it has to be Atlus. While game series like Persona and Catherine have meant a lot to some people, which is all perfectly valid, the demonization of queer communities in their video games has always been there. So much so that it’s started to get awkward and, as such, the homophobic scenes in Persona 5 will be updated for Royal.
The homophobic scenes in Persona 5 refers to the interaction two effeminate men have with Ryuji, one of the main characters. They praise his physique, are overtly flirty and are portrayed in a way that’s considered extremely predatory. Ryuji tells them off for this behavior, but they still continue and, overall, it’s a very uncomfortable part of the game to play through.
However, according to Atlus communications manager Ari Advincula, these scenes will be updated to make sure that these men are no longer portrayed in such “a negative light.” As to be expected, this change will only be for the Western release.
Advincula told IGN that they “actually were able to go through some of the lines that players may not have received as well, look at that feedback, and then [update it] for the current generation.” He also said that with Persona 5 Royal, it was a chance to “make it right.”
While it may be argued that this is definitely a step in the right direction, the localization can’t undo the intent of these scenes and feels a lot like putting a plaster on a gaping wound. The effort of not making characters feel like colossal, predatory assholes are appreciated, of course, but the localization isn’t the true issue here.
Yu Namba, senior project manager who worked on Persona 5’s localization in the west, also shared a similar line of thinking during their talk with GameSpot.
“As a localization manager, I really cannot do too much about what has already made it into the game.” He continued, “our team members felt a little bit of awkwardness about when working on it. And with Royal, we were determined to see if we could do something about it at least localization-wise.”
Will it be enough? That remains to be seen.
Persona 5 Royal releases in the West on March 31st for PlayStation 4.
About The Author
We are part of the world’s population. Confining the changes to one part of the world is insulting and ultimately harmful to the current and future generations of LGBTQIA+ people. If it’s denigrating to portray a part of the population in a negative, stereotypical way – then it’s denigrating, period, and should be treated accordingly in the game worldwide.
Are people really not buying the game because of this? The original scene didn’t really bother me despite me being a gay man. I just thought it was funny if a little strange. But I can also appreciate the effort for better representation. All the people boycotting the game are getting so butt hurt over an insignificant encounter which barely lasts 5 minutes over a game that has 100’s of hours of JRPG perfection. Plus if your straight and playing the game then why should it matter! Give me a break! If people are going to choose to be offended about every little thing then how do they enjoy anything!!??
Great article btw. This is my first post here!
the reasons why anyone wouldn’t want to buy Persona 5 for this reason is:
1. two middle-aged looking men sexually harassing a teenaged boy is inappropriate
2. it’s offensive towards the LGBT community to portray any LGBT characters who would do that in a game
I’m probably not going to buy this. Not only because of that scene, which would be reason enough as it is, but I already own the original game, and the differences don’t warrant that kind of expense. Especially since I never got around to finish the original, for various reasons.