Atlus Crafts Persona Games: Sweet Yet Deadly

Kazuhisa Wada, a key figure at Atlus, asserts that the release of Persona 3 in 2006 marked a pivotal moment for the company. Before Persona 3, Atlus adhered to what Wada called the "Only One" philosophy. This approach prioritized 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 the time, contemplating a game's marketability was considered almost taboo within the company's culture.

However, Persona 3 shifted Atlus' core values. Wada describes the new approach post-Persona 3 as "Unique & Universal," replacing the previous "Only One" mindset. This shift meant that Atlus began focusing on creating original content that could appeal to a wider audience. Essentially, the company started considering the commercial viability of its games, aiming to make them more accessible and engaging.

Wada uses a striking metaphor to describe this new strategy: "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 like stylish design and relatable, humorous characters that attract a broader audience. Wada believes that this "Unique & Universal" approach will continue to be the foundation for future Persona games.