Atlus Crafts Persona Games: Sweet Yet Deadly

Kazuhisa Wada on the Impact of Persona 3

Kazuhisa Wada, a notable figure in the gaming industry, highlights the release of Persona 3 in 2006 as a pivotal moment for Atlus. Before Persona 3, the company adhered to what Wada calls the "Only One" philosophy. This approach was characterized by a focus on edginess, shock value, and creating memorable experiences, encapsulated in the mindset that "if they [the audience] like it, they like it; if they don't, they don't."

Wada notes that, prior to Persona 3, considering a game's market potential was almost considered "unseemly" within Atlus' culture. However, the success of Persona 3 led to a significant shift in the company's values. Post-Persona 3, Wada describes Atlus' new approach as "Unique & Universal," moving away from the "Only One" mindset. This new strategy emphasizes creating original content that is accessible and appealing to a wider audience. Essentially, Atlus began to consider the commercial viability of its games, striving to make them both user-friendly and engaging.

Wada uses a striking metaphor to describe this shift: "In short, it's like giving players poison that kills them in a pretty package." Here, the "poison" represents Atlus' traditional commitment to powerful and shocking moments, while the "pretty package" refers to the appealing design and relatable, humorous characters that attract a broader audience. Wada asserts that this "Unique & Universal" approach will be the foundation for future Persona games, ensuring they continue to captivate and entertain a diverse player base.