Persona 5 may get Japanese voiceovers via DLC

Persona 5's North American release won't have a Japanese voiceover at launch, but might at a later date.

Persona 5 may get Japanese voiceovers via DLC

Persona may be a video game series, but it has something in common with its anime roots: For whatever reason, many North American fans prefer the Japanese voiceovers. Which made it all the more disappointing when news emerged that Persona 5 wouldn't feature dual audio. The potential good news, according to Atlus PR manager John Hardin, is that the Japanese recordings might be added to the game as DLC later on.

"All we are confirming at P5 launch is English dub," Hardin wrote on Twitter. "I'm looking into the possibility of JPN vo as DLC but no news there."

Hardin followed up with "And regarding expectations, know that is a massively steep, uphill request."

There are several hurdles involved in bringing the Japanese recordings to North America, not the least of which is licensing. Persona 5's Japanese edition features some high-level voice talent, and there would be a substantial cost involved in making sure the recordings were included in the game legally. It certainly doesn't stop English-listeners from enjoying Persona 5 as is, but it's certainly disappointing. Here's hoping a DLC arrangement can be made in the future.

Persona 5 launches for PlayStation 3 and 4 on February 17, 2015. If you really need the Japanese voiceovers, it releases overseas on September 15.