Sega’s MMORPG Phantasy Star Online 2 will be releasing for the Xbox One and PC in North America later this year, and the closed beta actually starts this week on February 7, albeit only on the Xbox One. However, PC fans have something to be excited about as it was just revealed that the game will be released through Valve’s Steam when it launches. Interestingly enough, it was discovered by someone on Resetera in the online manual from the official website, which has since been removed.
In the manual it gives instructions on how to launch the game well in advance for PC. This includes Steam, where it states “Open the Steam client and search for “Phantasy Star Online 2” under the “Library” section, then click “Play”. It’s important to note that the game is already confirmed for release on PC for Windows 10, making this even more intriguing as it may have been reserved for a special announcement or for a reveal at a later time.
In the manual, which has been removed, the instructions to play the game through Steam are clear and concise.
Despite the manual potentially letting the cat out of the bag, there hasn’t been any word from Valve about bringing the game to their digital storefront. Sega has been quiet on the subject as well, but with an inevitable release time frame looming, they’ll more than likely state something soon. Either way this gets extrapolated, most PC gamers will probably see this as a huge win, as the majority of PC players house their gaming library within Steam and launch them from it. If this does turn out to be the case, then we’ll also potentially be in store for a closed/open Beta for it was well.
While the game was revealed at E3 last year, it’s actually been out in Japan for several years. Launching in 2012 for PC, it was then ported to the now defunct PlayStation Vita in 2013, then the PlayStation 4 in 2016, and finally the Nintendo Switch in 2018. The fact that North America is at long last receiving this title is exciting alone. If/when either company confirms the Steam release, then expect the anticipation to get even higher.
Phantasy Star Online 2 is scheduled for a tentative release in North America for Spring 2020 on PC and the Xbox One.