by Jason Parker (Ragachak)

Data Mining: (noun): The practice of examining large databases in order to generate new knowledge.

So, by now it’s no big secret what “P5S” is – Persona 5 Scramble, a Musou Game by Atlus and Koei Tecmo, for the PS4 and the Nintendo Switch. So, why are so many people upset? Why am I hearing “Who asked for this?” and “Where is Persona 5 on the Switch?” and my response is “Who said Persona 5 was coming to the Switch at all?” Fans simply assumed that P5S meant Persona 5 Switch, without any official announcement, without anything more than some meager data mining and a “Best Buy Preorder” leak. Is that what we’re basing rumors on? A website that has a pre-order for something that hasn’t even been announced yet? Besides, P5 Scramble looks awesome! Do you get to summon your Persona to help you beat up hundreds, thousands of bad guys? Yes you do! Come on, what’s not to like there?

I don’t feel bad for anyone that’s upset, because they are the reason they’re salty! People who get worked up over a rumor, assuming facts where there are none, and then when the announcement does come, it’s not what you wanted? What you figure you deserve? That’s foolish on its face. Would I like P5 on the Switch? Sure! It’s a great game, but I have it on my PS4. So far, it’s been a Playstation 4 exclusive, and there have been no hints to the contrary. Sure, you could argue “But Joker’s in Smash!” but that was probably a hint more towards this upcoming Musou game, more than anything. Until the official announcement is made until the actual company making the game says “Hey, we’re making this!”, approach rumors with caution at the absolute best.

Is Data Mining bad? Of course not. We learn a lot from it and get a peek into the development process as well as upcoming content, especially for MOBAs/Fighting Games. There are Data Miners that have virtually never been wrong. In particular, most of the Street Fighter V leaks, as far as I can remember, have all been 100% on the mark. But Data Mining isn’t perfect, and I’m willing to bet that companies have completely changed gears when things are spoiled/leaked in response. I cannot stress enough how important it is to measure your hype, measure your excitement until things are 100% revealed. Is it okay to be disappointed by an announcement? Of course, I’m not your parents. I can’t tell you what to do. But what does bother me is “Who asked for this??”

I can only imagine how a developer would feel when they come up with a new, big idea, and the response from their audience is “Who asked for this” – that would probably break my heart. Personally, I’m excited about a Persona Musou game. Hyrule Warriors was fun, and while I thought Fire Emblem Musou was easy, it was still enjoyable. So I’m sure this one will be as well. Koei makes three things very well: Musou Games, Strategy Games, and Adorable Alchemist Girl Games. Community input is great, but saying a game shouldn’t exist, because the fans didn’t ask for it? That’s crazy talk. This kind of disappointment was created by fans, not by the developers, and that’s the troubling thing. At the end of the day, we need to take rumors and data mining with a grain, perhaps a spoonful of salt, so we don’t wind up upset later.