Atlus’s Restriction to Streaming Persona 5 isn’t Sitting Well with Streamers and YouTubers

Yesterday was the western release of the long-awaited Persona 5, while Japan audience had an early release back in September. On release day, Atlus USA posted a note to streamers on their website, asking everyone to refrain from spoiling the game and avoid posting plot-heavy videos. Both the western and Japan releases had these streaming restriction. The full statement can be found on Atlus’s website.

Atlus says,” This being a Japanese title with a single-playthrough story means our masters in Japan are very warry about it.” Because of this the PS4 built-in streaming system is locked out of Persona 5. That doesn’t mean you can stream, just be careful of what you do stream. If you do decide to stream STOP AT 7/7 (this is referring to the date in the game) anyone who doesn’t do so is at the risk of being issued a content ID claim or worse, a channel strike/account suspension. Atlus then ends it by saying,” Persona 5 is a super special case for us and we’re in ongoing discussion about how our policies may evolve in the future.

Of course, streamers are very disappointed that they couldn’t share this special game with their audience. This isn’t the first time Atlus is warning streamers about heavy story spoilers, they also place harsh restriction on Persona 4: Dancing All Night story mode – in some cases regarding Persona 4: Dancing All Night a copyright strike may be issued without warning. This is upsetting because once, a copyright strike is issued that YouTube channel is restricted for several months like, only being able to upload 15-minute videos.

For Streamers, they understand the concern that if fans just watch a Stream or Let’s Play the won’t feel incline to buy the game. But Streaming isn’t just a source of entertainment – it can help get players excited and have the desire to purchase the game and experience it themselves. It’s wide-spread marketing at its best and Atlus is fine with giving that up, this streaming restriction can only hurt Atlus.

Persona fans have been waiting for this game for nine years, and finally it’s here. But it hurts fans and Atlus that audiences can’t watch their favorite streamer or YouTuber play this game. Hopefully Atlus can figure out a more streaming and video friendly policy for their Persona franchise.