Atlus Delivers Persona 3: A Sweet But Sinister Gaming Experience

I have not yet ventured into the Persona video game series, but many of my friends and associates hold them in high regard. According to Atlus producer Kazuhisa Wada, this aspect is a vital and deliberate part of how the company crafts its franchise.

Wada recently addressed the CEDEC+KYUSHU developer conference in Japan (as reported by Game Makers, with translation provided by Automaton) regarding how the company’s design philosophy has evolved since the release of Persona 3 in 2006.

Before Persona 3, the company’s principles were defined as “Only One,” according to Wada. This essentially meant, “if they enjoy it, they enjoy it; if they don’t, they don’t.” Instead of developing titles with broad appeal that could potentially alienate someone, the Persona series excels in its distinct focus: stylish gameplay, dungeon exploration, and rich relationship building. When I phrase it this way, I find myself wanting to play.

In some of the installments, elements such as time and weather can influence battles and the narrative itself. It all sounds intriguing, and I admire it from a distance, but for some reason, they have just never resonated with me. According to the company’s earlier principles, that’s perfectly acceptable. The games have performed remarkably well by nurturing a loyal fanbase and appealing to them, rather than attempting to win over individuals like myself. Wada claims that this kind of approach is precisely why he decided to join Atlus in the first place.

However, now the values have shifted somewhat. The company still aims to produce games in a steadfast manner, but at present, more players than ever are expected to turn a profit. After Persona 3, the new direction became focused on crafting games that are “Unique & Universal,” which means they not only stand out but also are relatable.

Almost all Persona games are set in and revolve around high school, a period during which many people can relate to the trials faced during those challenging adolescent years. Atlus can still showcase its games uniquely, but the themes resonate with a wide audience.

“To summarize, it’s like offering players deadly poison wrapped in a sweet coating,” Wada elaborates. With its latest title, M