The Persona series has always been known for its balance of supernatural battles and social simulation. However, rumors surrounding Persona 6 and its potential dual protagonists could open the door to something far bigger—a chance to revolutionize its romance system. With two protagonists, Persona 6 could offer more romances and romance paths than ever before, with a significant opportunity to include more diverse relationships for both straight and LGBTQ+ players.
Persona 3 Reload, Atlus’ remake of their 2006 classic, hints at progress for the series. In one of the game's early cutscenes, the camera lingers on a character wearing a bag adorned with a Pride flag. While the detail is small, it's hard to miss and suggests that Atlus might be signaling more inclusive content in future games. This moment in Persona 3 Reload is also a reminder that while the game doesn't yet feature LGBTQ+ romances, the future of the series—particularly Persona 6—could be much more progressive in this regard.
Persona 3 Portable Paved the Way for Dual Protagonists
Persona 3 Portable offers the closest reference point for how dual protagonists could work in the series. In Portable, players were given the option to choose between a male and female protagonist, with each having their own set of social links and romance options. This concept of different romance paths for each gender was groundbreaking at the time and is an obvious foundation for where Persona 6 could expand.
However, Persona 6 can build on this significantly. Persona 3 Portable introduced the idea, but the structure was limited by the scope of the game. The male and female protagonists were limited to straight-only romance options. Persona 6 could take this dual-protagonist system and add much more complexity, depth, and most of all inclusivity.
Persona 6 Could Use More Romance Options
Past Persona titles have included memorable romantic possibilities, but Persona 6 has the potential to push beyond these limits. By having both a male and female protagonist, Persona 6 could introduce a wider range of romances for each gender, ensuring that players of all identities can find meaningful relationships in the game. More importantly, it could introduce a variety of LGBTQ+ options that have been missing or underdeveloped in previous games.
Fire Emblem: Engage offers a relevant example, as the game has a dual protagonist option and includes 14 romance options. 6 of them are options for queer male romances, which were very limited in the series’ previous entries. Though it expanded queer representation with more male LGBTQ+ options, Persona 6 could take this a step further. Being a more story-driven game when compared to Engage, Persona 6 can emphasize the emotional depth and impact of these relationships.
Persona 6 Replayability Would Skyrocket With More Romances
If Persona 6 follows through on its dual protagonist rumors and expands its romance system, the game’s replayability could skyrocket. With multiple characters to romance and different narrative paths for each protagonist, players would be incentivized to replay the game multiple times just to see every possibility. The inclusion of LGBTQ+ relationships, particularly if some romances are exclusive to either a male or female protagonist, would add another layer of complexity and depth to the experience.
Persona 6 Could Finally Embrace LGBTQ+ Romances
Looking back, Persona 4 approached the idea of queerness but hesitated to fully commit. Characters like Kanji Tatsumi, who struggled with their own insecurities about masculinity and sexuality, came close to addressing LGBTQ+ themes but ultimately fell short. Meanwhile, Naoto Shirogane’s storyline also grappled with identity issues, although the execution left some fans feeling dissatisfied. Persona 6 has a chance to do better by offering romances that allow players to explore these themes in a more thoughtful and inclusive way.
While Persona 3 Reload signals the possibility of future change with small but noticeable nods to queerness, Persona 6 could be the game that fully embraces LGBTQ+ romances. Atlus has shown through Persona 5 Royal and Persona 3 Reload that it is willing to update its formula, adding quality-of-life improvements and new narrative elements that cater to modern audiences.
If the rumors about Persona 6’s dual protagonist are true, the potential for more romances—both heterosexual and LGBTQ+—could break records for the series. More choices would mean more emotional investment and more reasons for players to come back for another playthrough.
- Genre(s)
- JRPG
