Atlus' approach to making Persona games is reminiscent of “deadly poison in a sweet shell”

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" approach prioritizing edgy content and shocking moments over broad appeal.

Wada notes that market considerations were previously considered almost taboo within the company culture. However, Persona 3 marked a shift. The "Only One" strategy gave way to a "Unique & Universal" approach, focusing on creating original content with wider accessibility. Essentially, Atlus began prioritizing market viability, aiming for user-friendly and engaging experiences.

Wada uses the analogy of "poison in pretty packaging" to describe this change. The "pretty package" represents stylish design and appealing characters, broadening the game's reach, while the "poison" symbolizes Atlus's continued commitment to intense and surprising narrative elements. This "Unique & Universal" strategy, Wada asserts, will underpin future Persona titles.