What Year is Persona 5 Set?
Persona 5, a popular role-playing game developed by Atlus, has been a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike. One of the most frequently asked questions about the game is "What year is Persona 5 set?" In this article, we will explore the answer to this question and provide some interesting facts about the game’s setting.
Direct Answer: 2016
According to the game’s story and various sources, Persona 5 takes place in the year 2016. This is evident from the game’s dialogue, cutscenes, and in-game events. The protagonist, Ren Amamiya, is a transfer student at Shujin Academy, a prestigious school in Tokyo, Japan.
Background and Context
To understand the setting of Persona 5, it is essential to know the game’s background and context. Persona 5 is the latest installment in the Persona series, which is a part of the larger Megami Tensei franchise. The game follows the story of Ren Amamiya, a high school student who becomes involved in a group of rebels known as the Phantom Thieves. The group’s goal is to change the hearts of corrupt adults by stealing their "reality" and replacing it with a new, better reality.
Chronology of the Series
To put the setting of Persona 5 into perspective, it is essential to understand the chronology of the series. The first Persona game, Persona: Revelations, was released in 1996 and was set in 1996. The subsequent games, including Persona 2, Persona 3, and Persona 4, were set in 1999, 2009, and 2011, respectively.
How Long After Persona 4?
Persona 5 is set five years after the events of Persona 4. This is evident from the game’s story and the in-game events. The game’s protagonist, Ren Amamiya, is a transfer student at Shujin Academy, and his friends are all around the same age as him.
Why 2016?
So, why is Persona 5 set in 2016? According to an interview with the game’s director, Katsura Hashino, the team wanted to set the game in the present day to reflect the current state of the world. Hashino stated that the team wanted to create a game that was "relevant to the times" and that the game’s setting would be influenced by the current social and cultural trends.
Comparison with Other Games
Here’s a comparison of the Persona series’ settings:
| Game | Setting |
|---|---|
| Persona: Revelations | 1996 |
| Persona 2 | 1999 |
| Persona 3 | 2009 |
| Persona 4 | 2011 |
| Persona 5 | 2016 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Persona 5 is set in the year 2016. The game’s story and in-game events are set against the backdrop of a fictionalized version of Tokyo, Japan. The game’s setting is influenced by the current social and cultural trends, and the team aimed to create a game that was "relevant to the times."