Xbox and Atlus Announce Day-One Game Pass Launch for Metaphor: ReFantazio

In a surprise reveal during today’s Xbox Games Showcase, Atlus confirmed that its highly anticipated RPG *Metaphor: ReFantazio* will be launching day one on Xbox Game Pass, sending waves of excitement through the JRPG community. The announcement marks a significant partnership between Xbox and Atlus, signaling Microsoft’s continued push to bolster their subscription service with marquee Japanese titles.

*Metaphor: ReFantazio*, developed by the legendary team behind the *Persona* series, is set in a fantasy world that blends traditional JRPG mechanics with a darker, more mature narrative. First unveiled at the 2023 Summer Game Fest, the game has garnered attention for its stunning art direction, unique turn-based combat system, and philosophical storytelling themes. With the involvement of series veterans like director Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro, fans have high expectations for what could be the next landmark RPG from Atlus.

Traditionally, Atlus titles have had a stronger presence on PlayStation consoles. This strategic collaboration with Xbox hints at a broader effort to reach global audiences and signals a growing appetite for Japanese titles in Western markets. By launching on Xbox Game Pass, *Metaphor: ReFantazio* will become immediately accessible to tens of millions of subscribers, lowering the barrier to entry for new players curious about the genre.

Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, stated during the showcase, “We’re thrilled to partner with Atlus to bring *Metaphor: ReFantazio* to Game Pass on day one. This is more than just a great addition to our library—it’s a testament to our commitment to delivering a diverse, global lineup to our players.”

While the exact release date has not yet been specified, *Metaphor: ReFantazio* is slated for a 2024 launch. Gamers can look forward to a fresh fantasy setting anchored by the narrative depth and stylistic flair Atlus fans have come to expect.

As Game Pass continues to evolve into a must-have subscription for gamers across the spectrum, the inclusion of *Metaphor: ReFantazio* may be one of its most compelling offerings yet.