Atlus producer Kazushi Wada reiterates the unlikelihood of Persona 3 Portable's female protagonist (FeMC), Kotone Shiomi/Minako Arisato, appearing in Persona 3 Reload. This decision, according to Wada in a recent PC Gamer interview, stems from significant development costs and time constraints.
Initially considered for inclusion, even as potential post-launch DLC alongside Episode Aigis - The Answer, the FeMC's addition proved unfeasible. Wada clarified that the project's timeline and budget wouldn't accommodate such a substantial undertaking. He expressed regret over disappointing fans who anticipated her inclusion, stating that it's highly improbable she'll ever be added.
The February 2024 release of Persona 3 Reload, a remake of the 2006 classic, already boasts numerous features and mechanics. However, the FeMC's absence remains a point of contention among fans. Wada previously echoed these sentiments in a Famitsu interview, emphasizing the substantial increase in development time and cost compared to the Episode Aigis DLC – multiple times greater, in fact, making it an insurmountable hurdle.
Despite the FeMC's popularity in Persona 3 Portable, and widespread fan expectations for her appearance in Persona 3 Reload, either at launch or as DLC, Wada's statements strongly suggest this is not a viable option.
