Rollback Netcode Update for Persona 4 Arena Ultimax Slated for Summer

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Fighting games are often defined by their players and how available the game is on modern hardware. Sure, there are plenty of events out there for legacy games and I’ve seen lots of players drag around CRTs and a console just to compete, but moving forward games on PC and the latest consoles create an opportunity for more players to pick up the game. Right now though, good online infrastructure is a must-have and rollback netcode is the best option for fighting games currently. This has led to a universal ask of all fighting games to include rollback which is why the initial announcement of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax was a little disappointing. Revealed in a video update from producer Kazuhisa Wada, this new version of P4 Arena will be getting rollback netcode on PC and PS4 in the summer of this year. 

A specific date was not given for when this feature will be made available and there wasn’t a mention of the Nintendo Switch version of the game. There are other fighting games on the Switch with rollback features, so it’s strange to see it lacking for the Switch version of Persona 4 Arena Ultimax. That said, incorporating rollback into a Switch game may be more challenging for developers so we might see this feature come to the Switch port at a later date. Regardless, Steam and PS4 users getting rollback is a delightful bit of news for fighting game fans. 

In my opinion, any time a fighting game gets better online features there is a chance for that community to grow. I currently work fighting game and esports events as a media broadcaster and commentator for Black Ice eSports and I often see lamenting players hoping to see their favorite game get a new port with good online. Now more than ever, at least in America, it is harder to travel to local tournaments. Online improvements enable lots of communities to play their game more often. Legacy content getting this feature always puts a smile on my face and I hope to see more games get official support in a way that is long-lasting. Some fighting games have had consistent players since the 90s so any online features should consider just how long support will be needed. 

Learn more about Persona 4 Arena Ultimax on their official website.