Persona Series Nears One Million Sales in Q1 as Sega Reports Strong Overseas Performance

by Salal Awan

Sega Sammy Holdings has released its Q1 FY2026/3 financial results, revealing a robust performance from several key franchises, including the Persona series, which sold nearly one million units during the period. While the gaming segment posted lower revenue compared to last year, the company’s diversified portfolio and international reach remain major strengths.

In the three-month period, Sega’s gaming division generated ¥44.6 billion in revenue, down from ¥51.3 billion in the same quarter last year. Operating income for the segment stood at ¥5.2 billion, reflecting a decrease from the prior year’s ¥8.9 billion. The consumer games business recorded 4.9 million full game unit sales, generating ¥11.5 billion in revenue, while free-to-play titles matched that figure. An additional ¥21.6 billion came from other revenue streams, including contributions from mobile game developer Rovio, which added ¥7.1 billion.

Among Sega’s major franchises, Persona was a standout performer, reaching 1.0 million units sold for the quarter. The Total War series followed closely at 910,000 units, while Sonic achieved 770,000 units and the Like a Dragon series moved 690,000 units. Overseas markets accounted for 66.1% of total gaming sales, underscoring Sega’s strong global presence. The digital download ratio for the quarter stood at an impressive 73.1%, highlighting ongoing shifts in consumer buying habits.

The Persona franchise, developed primarily by Atlus and owned by Sega, has evolved into one of the most recognizable Japanese role-playing game series worldwide. Originating as a spin-off from the Megami Tensei series in 1996, the franchise blends turn-based combat with social simulation elements, exploring deep psychological themes. The latest mainline entry, Persona 3 Reload, released in 2024, has helped maintain the series’ momentum in both domestic and overseas markets.

Looking ahead, Sega projects its consumer games revenue for the full fiscal year to reach ¥230 billion, with operating income expected to hit ¥27 billion. While the quarterly results mark a slight decline from the previous year, the company’s diverse lineup of console, PC, and mobile offerings—along with the growing appeal of its international releases—positions it well for sustained long-term performance.

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