Kazuhisa Wada identifies the 2006 release of Persona 3 as a pivotal moment. Prior to this, Atlus operated under a philosophy Wada terms "Only One," characterized by a "like it or lump it" attitude 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 spurred a shift to a "Unique & Universal" approach, replacing the "Only One" philosophy. This new strategy focused on creating original content with broader accessibility and market appeal. Essentially, Atlus began prioritizing user-friendly experiences and engaging gameplay alongside its signature style.
Wada uses a striking analogy: "It's like giving players poison that kills them in a pretty package." The "pretty package" represents stylish design and endearing characters, attracting a wider audience, 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.
