![[Persona Doesn't Need Teens-20240206091339015.png]] Someone posted this in my Guilded server and it compelled me to rant. I would like to know what Persona fans are smoking tbh. What is this. What does this mean. I think the core issue I have with this exchange is the idea that only kids can fight for change. Now I absolutely believe that kids *should* be inspired to make change. *Gurren Lagann* is one of the most important pieces of media I've ever consumed, when I was at my lowest as a Junior in high-school. But this idea that adults just become static, unmoving monoliths of conservatism is so wild to me. In what world? Being an adult is **nothing** but change. If I look back at who I was when I was 18 compared to 29 now, I get light-headed. And the themes still resonate in other important ways - as a teen you're led to believe that when you grow up you'll finally have agency. Imagine turning my age and realizing that you're still unable to make the changes you want to in the world because of capitalism or politics or whatever. The agency that I thought I'd get is nowhere to be found. Does that not sound like it'd make for an interesting Persona game? Then there's the fact that [[An Ode to Friendship - Persona 5 Strikers|Persona 5: Strikers exists]], and includes Zenkichi, an adult Persona user that serves as a fantastic foil to the Phantom Thieves. I would love to see more of that sort of thing in a *Persona* game[^1]. Or the fact that *Like a Dragon* exists!? And is a game about a bunch of people in their 40s that want to improve things for the better!? And includes the same sort of social link system!? Or the fact that it's **really fucking successful**!? I understand that it sounds like I'm going feral right now - because I am - and I'm not against media aimed at teens. But isn't there already enough? We live in a world where characters like Raven from *Tales of Vesperia* are 35 years old and treated like an ancient grandpa with one foot in the grave. Being an adult or getting older doesn't automatically mean that you're down and out or incapable of changing the world, and video games exist for more than just people who are *in* high-school or people who need to relive their high-school days. There's room for both. Luckily we get *Like a Dragon*, but there's still a rather large hole of media that could be targeted at *Gurren Lagann* fans in their 30s and on. The indomitable human spirit is not just for the youngsters! (Also *Persona 5* doesn't do nearly as much for "changing the world" as its fans would have you believe 👀[^2]) [^1]: and less transphobia lol [^2]: I've heard *Royal* fixes this. I'm not spending another 100 hours on that game to find out if it's true, sorry.