Speculative Analogy: Imaginaria Launch Date Revealed Online
An anticipated launch date for Imaginaria, a new game by a renowned developer, surfaces through an unexpectedly thorough yet swiftly retracted online store listing.
ReFantazio, a highly anticipated fantasy RPG from Persona developer Atlus, may be hitting the market sooner than expected. A leaked online listing from a retailer suggests that the game could potentially be released on October 12th. However, there is some speculation that it may actually come out a day earlier.
Announced by the Sega-owned studio in June 2023, Metaphor: ReFantazio made its debut with a reveal trailer during Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase. This new IP from Atlus, the first in over ten years, was initially slated for a spring 2024 release on PC and consoles. However, Atlus and Sega have since narrowed down the release window to fall.
Possible Mid-October Release for Metaphor: ReFantazio
There is no official release date yet for the game, but a detailed online listing may have revealed one. Recently, the Metaphor: ReFantazio page appeared on the Hong Kong version of the Microsoft Store, showing a release date of October 12. While placeholder dates are common in e-commerce, this specific date seems unusual and there is a chance that Metaphor: ReFantazio could actually launch on that day, especially since it was previously confirmed to be released in the fall.
Recent Major Atlus Fall Releases
Atlus game release dates have been leaked via the Hong Kong version of the Microsoft Store in the past, with occasional discrepancies of a day. For example, the PC and Xbox port of Persona 5 Royal was initially set for release on October 20 but actually launched on October 21, 2022. This raises the possibility that the listed October 12 release date for Metaphor: ReFantazio could potentially be off as well. Traditionally, major Atlus fall releases have occurred on Thursdays or Fridays. However, with October 12 falling on a Saturday, there is a chance that the game may actually be released on the 11th.
Here are some upcoming game releases with their respective release dates:
Persona Q2: New Cinema Labyrinth - November 29, 2018 (Thursday) Persona 5 Royal - October 31, 2019 (Japan) (Thursday) 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim - November 28, 2019 (Japan) (Thursday) Shin Megami Tensei 5 - November 11, 2021 (Thursday) Persona 5 Royal (Switch, PC, PS5, and Xbox versions) - October 21, 2022 (Friday) Persona 5 Tactica - November 17, 2023 (Friday) Metaphor: ReFantazio - October 11/12, 2024 (rumored) (Friday/Saturday)
There is speculation that Metaphor: ReFantazio could potentially be released on October 11, based on historical trends. A Microsoft Store page that briefly mentioned the game's release date was quickly edited to remove any reference to its market timing on February 29.
Sega has been participating in Microsoft's gaming events recently. It's likely that the official release date for Metaphor: ReFantazio will be announced around the first anniversary of the RPG's reveal. This could happen during another Xbox Games Showcase in late spring or early summer. In the meantime, Atlus is also releasing Shin Megami Tensei 5: Vengeance in late June.
Why Metaphor: ReFantazio Would Be Perfect For Xbox Game Pass On Launch
Editor's P/S:
The leaked release date of Metaphor: ReFantazio has sparked excitement and anticipation among gamers. The game, which is set to be the first new IP from Atlus in over a decade, has been highly sought after since its reveal last year. While the October 12th release date is yet to be officially confirmed, the possibility of playing the game sooner than expected is certainly thrilling.
The historical precedent of Atlus games being released on Thursdays or Fridays makes the rumored October 11th release date more plausible. This would fit with the studio's pattern of fall releases, and the fact that October 11th falls on a Friday lends further credence to the speculation. The upcoming Xbox Games Showcase in late spring or early summer could provide the perfect platform for Sega to officially announce the release date.
