Atlus Crafts Persona Games: Sweet Yet Deadly

The Shift in Atlus' Game Development Philosophy

Kazuhisa Wada highlights that the release of Persona 3 in 2006 marked a pivotal moment for Atlus, fundamentally altering their approach to game development. Prior to Persona 3, Atlus adhered to what Wada calls the "Only One" philosophy. This approach was characterized by a focus on edginess, shock value, and creating memorable moments, encapsulated by the belief that "if they [the audience] like it, they like it; if they don't, they don't." At that time, the notion of considering a game's marketability was seen as almost "unseemly" within the company's culture.

However, the success of Persona 3 led to a significant shift in Atlus' values. Wada describes the new approach as "Unique & Universal," replacing the previous "Only One" mindset. This new strategy emphasized creating original content that could appeal to a wider audience. In essence, Atlus began to consider the commercial viability of their games, striving to make them more accessible and engaging to players.

Wada uses a striking metaphor to describe this change: "In short, it's like giving players poison that kills them in a pretty package." Here, the "poison" represents Atlus' traditional commitment to delivering powerful and shocking experiences, while the "pretty package" refers to the appealing elements such as stylish design and relatable, humorous characters that attract a broader audience. According to Wada, this "Unique & Universal" approach will continue to be the foundation for future Persona games, ensuring that they remain both innovative and widely appealing.