History of Metaphor: ReFantazio in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 8, 2024

ReFantazio is a new role-playing game set in the medieval fantasy world of Euchronia. Developed by Studio Zero, the renowned team behind the Persona series, the game follows an orphaned protagonist who must unite the kingdom and awaken the slumbering Prince to claim the throne. Releasing in October 2024 for PlayStation, Xbox, and Windows, ReFantazio promises a fantastical adventure with political intrigue and high stakes.

September 2016: Persona 5 Release and Hashino's Departure

Following the release of Persona 5 in September 2016, director Katsura Hashino announced his departure from the Persona team. This decision was driven by his desire to explore new creative avenues outside the established Persona framework.

December 2016: Project Re:Fantasy Announcement

In December 2016, Atlus announced Project Re:Fantasy, which would later be revealed as Metaphor: ReFantazio. This marked the first public unveiling of the game.

December 19, 2016: Studio Zero Formation

On December 19, 2016, Atlus announced the formation of Studio Zero, a new internal development studio led by Katsura Hashino. This marked a significant shift for Hashino, moving away from the Persona series to pursue new creative endeavors.

December 2017: Second Concept Video and Development Update

A second concept video for Metaphor: ReFantazio was released in December 2017, accompanied by an update from Hashino confirming that development was well underway. The video offered additional glimpses into the game's world and atmosphere.

February 2018: Catherine: Full Body Release and Anticipated Update

Following the Japanese release of Catherine: Full Body in February 2018, Hashino hinted at sharing more information about Metaphor: ReFantazio, raising anticipation among fans.

November 2019: Soejima Discusses Game's Development in Game Informer

In November 2019, Shigenori Soejima shared insights into the development of Metaphor: ReFantazio, emphasizing the team's focus on defining the meaning of fantasy in the context of the game. He also highlighted the progress made in solidifying the game's direction.

July 2021: Hiraoka Provides Update on Project Re Fantasy

In July 2021, Naota Hiraoka, in an interview with Weekly Famitsu, provided a brief update on Project Re Fantasy. He stated that the game was progressing steadily.

June 2023: Metaphor: ReFantazio Officially Unveiled

Metaphor: ReFantazio was officially unveiled in June 2023 during Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase. The reveal confirmed its platforms as Windows and Xbox Series X/S and generated significant excitement among RPG fans.

December 2023: Gameplay Trailer and Livestreams

December 2023 saw a flurry of activity around Metaphor: ReFantazio, with a new gameplay trailer debuting at The Game Awards and a dedicated livestream providing in-depth looks at the game's story, characters, and mechanics.

April 2024: ATLUS Exclusive Livestream Series Begins

Starting in April 2024, Atlus launched a series of "ATLUS Exclusive" livestreams dedicated to showcasing various facets of Metaphor: ReFantazio. These streams provided fans with detailed breakdowns of gameplay systems and narrative elements.

June 2024: 'Awaken' Trailer Release

In June 2024, Atlus released the "Awaken" trailer for Metaphor: ReFantazio, focusing on the game's Archetype system and further building anticipation for its release.

August 2024: 'Travel Beyond Fantasy' and 'United Kingdom of Euchronia' Trailers Released

August 2024 saw the release of two trailers for Metaphor: ReFantazio. "Travel Beyond Fantasy" centered on the game's election system, while "United Kingdom of Euchronia" provided a deeper dive into the game's world.

August 2024: Metaphor: ReFantazio Demo at Gamescom

In August 2024, a demo featuring the first hour of Metaphor: ReFantazio was made available to the press during Gamescom. This provided an early opportunity for media outlets to experience the game firsthand.

September 19, 2024: Metaphor: ReFantazio and MoneyGram Haas F1 Team Collaboration

On September 19, 2024, Atlus announced a promotional collaboration between Metaphor: ReFantazio and the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. This partnership involved featuring the game's protagonist and driver Nico Hulkenberg on the team's F1 cars.

September 25, 2024: Metaphor: ReFantazio Prologue Demo Release

On September 25, 2024, a "Prologue Demo" for Metaphor: ReFantazio was released across all platforms. This demo allowed players to experience the game's opening chapter, providing a substantial taste of its gameplay and story.

October 11, 2024: Metaphor: ReFantazio Release

On October 11, 2024, Metaphor: ReFantazio was released worldwide on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. This marked the game's global launch and a significant milestone for Studio Zero and Atlus.