Persona Series: Sweet yet Lethal

Kazuhisa Wada identifies the 2006 release of Persona 3 as a pivotal moment. Prior to its launch, Atlus adhered to a philosophy Wada terms "Only One," characterized by a "like it or not" attitude prioritizing edgy content and shocking moments over broad appeal.

Wada notes that market considerations were previously considered almost inappropriate within the company culture. However, Persona 3 marked a shift to a "Unique & Universal" approach, replacing the "Only One" strategy. This new focus emphasized creating original content with broader accessibility and market appeal. Essentially, Atlus began actively considering market viability, aiming for user-friendly and engaging experiences.

Wada uses the analogy of "poison in pretty packaging" to describe this evolution. The "pretty package" represents stylish design and appealing characters, attracting a wider audience, while the "poison" remains Atlus' commitment to intense and surprising moments. This "Unique & Universal" strategy, Wada asserts, will underpin future Persona titles.