'Persona 5' update: Atlus confirms new release date and the first free DLC to roll out alongside it

“Persona 5,” developed by Atlus, was scheduled for a Feb. 14 release next year for territories outside of Japan. The game developer has since announced that the release will be pushed back, but will include a new feature to makeup for the delay.

READ: Persona 5 release date, watch new gameplay video shadows have invaded real world

The title is now launching on April 4, as Atlus PR Manager John Hardin admitted in a PlayStation blog post. “It stings,” he wrote. “But ‘Persona 5’ set the gold standard for Atlus with its launch in Japan, and we wanted to put the utmost care into ensure it winds up the best when it launches in the west.”

To make up for it, Atlus is including a dual audio feature in the game that will be compatible with PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4. The feature will have to be obtained as a DLC, but it will be free for all players “for forever,” as Hardin promised.

The dual audio, he admitted, was hard to set up. However, the team of Atlus knew just how important this was for gamers who have followed the “Persona” franchise from the very beginning. “This was something we especially wanted to do for the Atlus Faithful,” Hardin wrote. “The ones who still appreciate our English dubs and respect all the effort we put into localising.”

Furthermore, Hardin confirmed that “Persona 5” will have a playable demo setup for attendees of PlayStation Experience, which will be held in Anaheim next month. The game developer also made an update for individuals who pre-ordered the “Take Your Heart” premium edition of the game. The soundtrack now includes a new feature from Justine and Caroline, the twin wardens of the Velvet Room. There have also been updates made to the artbook and SteelBook.

READ: Story details for 'Persona 5' revealed, including the purpose of the 'Phantom Thieves'

“Persona 5” was released in Japan on September and has since received quite a following. The first chapter in the franchise was released for the PlayStation 2 back in 2008.

Watch the "Persona 5" trailer